Looking for recommendations to purchase a track cleaning car; running Lionel Fasttrack.
Thanks,
Al
Original Post
3 - Rail Track Cleaning Car
I prefer the ones made by "Northeast Trains". The last one I bought has two different kinds of the green scotch pad. They look like a maintenance vehicle.
I have the Trackman 2000 and the Northeast Trains model. The Northeast Trains model is more attractive, but for cleaning power, I like the Trackman 2000. So, it's a choice, appearance or cleaning power. 
FWIW, you can put any desired pad on the Northeast Trains car, mine has felt pads.
Attachments
gunrunnerjohn posted:I have the Trackman 2000 and the Northeast Trains model. The Northeast Trains model is more attractive, but for cleaning power, I like the Trackman 2000. So, it's a choice, appearance or cleaning power.
FWIW, you can put any desired pad on the Northeast Trains car, mine has felt pads.
GRJ - what cleaning solution, if any, do you put on either car when you run them ?
For the Northeast Trains car, I put Isopropyl Alcohol on the front pad, that's the dirty one on the right. I don't use anything for the Trackman 2000 with the Scotchbrite pad on it.
I use the original Lionel 3927 modified with a Scothbrite pad cut to substitute the round foam pad. I cut a paper towel and put a several wraps around the rear track wipe to pick up the dirt. The towel saves on replacing track wipes. Put alcohol on the Scothbrite, run it till the towel is dirty then peel a wrap off and do it again. I usually pull it with a TMCC or DCS engine for better speed control over the cleaning process. If the track is too dirty may have to use a postwar engine until track is clean enough for one of the others to run.
Funny thing, I have the Lionel 3927 that I hacked to put a Scotchbrite pad on as well. I also added a diode to slow the motor down, at 18V, the thing was about to fly! 
I've never had the track dirty enough that one of the Legacy locomotives with four rollers can't pull the track cleaner, but I suppose it could happen.
My favorite of my track cleaners is still the Trackman 2000, it's a simple yet elegant design that works really well.
I have a Northeast trains version if you are still looking.
Or you could try this on the cheap. I attached a magic eraser to the bottom of a MOW car with Velcro. Just dampen the eraser with a little water.
Attachments
Photos (3)
I have a CMX from Tony’s Train Exchange. Got a good deal on one at York a few years ago. Made of brass. Very heavy and very expensive. At close to $300. Mine came with Atlas Trucks. Extremely well made. Dispenses your choice of cleaner from it’s tank onto a pad. One pad is wet followed with a dry one.Tracks the layout well and does a good job. Easy to replace pads. I have the Northeast Trains as well as a Centerline. The CMX is my go to when guests are coming over and you want no issues with dirty track.
I bought Centerline Products car 30 years ago and have been very happy with it. I use Goo Gone with it, which is what they suggest. I bought extra paint rollers from the hardware store. I let it clean my track, and my cars at the same time.
https://www.centerline-product...product-page/o-gauge