Hi Everyone,
After 4, full 8-hour days: I finished my project of replacing my O-gauge elevated track with AF S-gauge. I used original Flyer curves and straights, and also used some Lionel/Flyer 054 curves. I am thrilled to have my (duplicate) childhood train running on my layout again.
I cleaned all the track and pins with a metal scotch brite pad, then wiped them with 99% isopropyl alcohol.
On my 283 engine and the 977 action caboose: One side of the pick-up wheels were badly pitted from poor contact/conduction. I ended up having to use 600 grit sand paper to get down to smooth, shiny metal.
After that, the train ran beautifully. Then, it only took a few hours of running for the engine to start losing contact again. The wheels are pitted again from arcing, already.
A little research brings-up the centerline track cleaning car: Using a higher percentage rubbing alcohol, goo gone, etc. and a product called Rail-Zip. I've used a Centerline cleaning car on my O-gauge track. But I don't get this arcing/pitted problem on that track.
What is your experience, and your recommendations, to clean metal wheels, and track, and then keep the track and wheels from arcing and pitting again?
Thank you for your help.
Rick
