Reply to "DCC, On30, and dirty HO track..."

win86OGR Forum Member

I have several friends with extensive HO layouts, all of which now use DCC. One layout previously used DC but was recently converted to DCC. Dirty track used to be a regular cause of extreme frustration. They all now use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a track treatment.

A foot long ultra-thin "smear" of the ATF applied to both rails with a finger tip, Q-tip, etc. will be picked up on the wheels and distributed throughout the layout wherever the trains operate.

There are no problems with adhesion, nor with abnormal dust accumulation. DCC signal strength will be maintained for several months. My friends typically apply the ATF about twice a year.

I know there are commercial products as well as a lot of "home brew/snake oil" remedies out there. ATF works - wheels and track stay clean, current flow and signal strength is maintained.

9/6/1310:28 AM

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