A video putting many of the popular cleaning fluids to the test - which one comes out on top? Thanks for watching! Email: samstrains@outlook.com Facebook: samstrains Twitter: samstrains
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@richamadan38165 жыл бұрын
Great comparison video sam and I love your production value as those cute little cups are so awesome.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Richa, that's very kind of you mate!! Glad you liked the cups, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@tbds77885 жыл бұрын
Can I just say... Your channel is amazing, everytime I'm in a bad/unhappy mood I watch your channel and you always put a smile on my face...so please Please PLEASE...keep doing your amazing videos. Keep it up!!!
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
That's lovely of you to say mate - really glad watching these videos makes you happy! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@BeasBotBonanza5 жыл бұрын
Interesting video, thanks for the Science Sam! ;) A note about Acetone, as you showed it devours plastics. I think it would be a mistake to use it at all, even on a metal piece because theres always the chance that it doesn't evaporate fully before going back in contact with a plastic part (wheels back in the chassis for example). If used carefully though acetone is amazingly effective for mending plastic. For example if you have a cracked body shell, if you add a very small amount of acetone to the back side of the body shell it will bond it together stronger than glue because it is effectively melting the plastic to form one continuous piece. Not recommended for heavily painted locos however it is good for non painted areas!
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
My pleasure mate - yeah I agree, I stopped with the Nail Polish Remover years ago - it doesn't even work that well!! I didn't know that about mending plastic though - I could try that on some of my models! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@johnndale1783Ай бұрын
Well Done Sam. I always enjoy your videos which are well thought out and edited. Nail polish is mostly Acetone with some lanolin added to take care of your nails. Acetone is also the basis of most plastic glues along with methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). I use MRK to glue kits together as it is superior to Acetone as a glue. These solvents will attack different plastics to a lessor or greater degree. WARNING!!!!!! All these chemicals are dangerous to your health especially your lungs. Even though you only use very small amounts keep the container/bottle closed and use in well ventilated areas. If you need to remove paint from a model especially plastic, I recommend Dettol. Believe it or not it works without damaging plastic. As it an antiseptic and common in many households you may think it is safe, but it is poisonous if ingested so use gloves. Just because it is a common product purchased at the supermarket does not mean it is totally safe. Hope this is of help to all of you especially the newer modelers. Cheers.
@michaelsmodelrailroading76654 жыл бұрын
A very nice video, Sam. It's nice to see some uniform methodology applied to a variety of products across a range of criteria. As others have mentioned, great production values as well. Thanks for producing and sharing this informative video. P.S: IPA is my go-to track and wheel cleaning fluid, too.
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Michael - really glad you enjoyed this one, appreciate it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@onnomulder97755 жыл бұрын
Very interesting video!! Thanks Sam.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate - really glad you liked it! :D cheers, Sam :)
@RMStinson5 жыл бұрын
Good info, I use IPA too. One tip; I use an artificial chamois for track cleaning: cut it into squares, rub on the rails either soaked with IPA or dry. Cleans very well, and is not abrasive. Amazing how dirty they can get when used on visually clean rails! Some swipes, and even a DCC 0-4-0 runs reliably. I even stuck some on the pads of my Hornby track maintenance car.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert - ahh that sounds fantastic, I'll have to give that a go, thanks for the tip! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@magcamara825 жыл бұрын
Greatly appreciate the tips so when I start my hornby/bachmann layout Sam.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
No problem mate - really glad this helped you! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@PhilPage2275 жыл бұрын
Excellent comparison and i do agree with your results. I also use a very old Peco track rubber and wipe all track including sleepers down with a moist baby wipe.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Philip! Yeah absolutely - the Peco track rubber does wonders on track! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@Prin7er5 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison video Sam. Thanx.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Scott! :D
@teescottageguyproductions3 жыл бұрын
So if I was to get a tub of hot soapy water and put my loco body’s in would they not be damaged? Also by hot do you mean Kettle hot or Luke warm tap water?
@trainfan25stewart165 жыл бұрын
Very educational video. I love and use IPA on my locos and things🚂
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Stewart - yes IPA has to be the best for cleaning! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@petersmith44555 жыл бұрын
great video. I use lighter fuel on all my triang locos the dock shunters love it. track magic is also very good.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Peter - that's good to hear - I used to be a big fan of lighter fuel too, though I've now moved to IPA! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@NZRailCaptures Жыл бұрын
I got some Green and brown oxidation more known as copper oxidation on my track. Is there any way to get it off or is it best to get new Track??
@nwrstories87015 жыл бұрын
Great video, very helpful.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! :D
@rick-ry3kj Жыл бұрын
What would be a good conductor fluid to keep the electricity flowing on your tracks?
@marcelsmodels2 жыл бұрын
Is regular light machine oil good for gears and connecting rods and bearings on steam locos?
@andrewdeacon83152 жыл бұрын
What would you recommend for cleaning plastic wheels and for traction tyres . I recently bought track magic which appears to leave an almost permanent layer on track , no matter how many times I run a paper towel or my finger over the track I get black deposits. An HST I have with traction tyres struggles for grip now. What’s best for cleaning the traction tyres ?
@stevemanklow51284 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another very interesting video Sam, was going to buy some Track Magic, but don't think I'll bother now! Regarding the nail polish remover, chances are it's the acetone that eats the plastic, have you tried the ones that are acetone free?
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
No problem Steve - nahh I wouldn't recommend it! Yes it is the acetone I think - but it's also that which dissolves dirt so well - not sure how well acetone-free stuff would perform! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@chriskitchen43015 жыл бұрын
I will be definitely changing from nail polish remover to IPA. As I am building a new model railway in the attic. Thanks Sam for the advice :D
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Awesome Chris - hope all goes well for you, good luck! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@markdunwell32882 жыл бұрын
Hello Sam. Fascinating video, thank you. I have acquired some wagons and the wheels are filthy. And i wondered which was the best cleaning option there was that you used and I've bought some of Amazon. Thank you very much you are a life saver.👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@NorbertRoll5 жыл бұрын
Very interesting as always. And it is a great difference to clean metal parts, painted metal or plastic parts. You are always on the right way if you use for painted metal or plastic parts slightly warm water with a few drops dishwashing liquid (soap). Spirit (alcohol) and petrol (gasoline) are removing the shine of plastic often. That you don't have if you use instead petroleum (paraffin or kerosene).
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Norbert - yeah absolutely, this is only for cleaning wheels, track, and armatures etc! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@ArgoPower3 жыл бұрын
very good guide, thanks you for it!
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
That's a pleasure Marco, glad you found it good! :D Merry Christmas - Sam :)
@BeasBotBonanza4 жыл бұрын
Sorry for commenting on an old video but just incase you still read them, do you have any opinions on methlyated spirits/white spirits in lieu of IPA? I am servicing my locos etc and due to the shortened supply of hand sanitiser etc, IPA has become quite expensive. I do have lighter fluid though so I might just use that for now
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Hey! I'm not too sure about that - I think I did try it once, but it wasn't very effective. Absolutely lethal to paintwork too! I've had a look on Ebay, you can get a huge bottle of 99.9% IPA for less than £20, which is a little pricey, but worth it I'd say! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@PaulSmith-pl7fo4 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam. Love tests with a scientific method. I keep a little ethanol around the house for cleaning of many different objects, so I guess it would be pretty similar to the IPA.
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul - I'd imagine that would be similar yeah, I might give it a try! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@vinayak_169 Жыл бұрын
How to remove rust from tracks??
@jonswinfield93363 жыл бұрын
Incredibly interesting I’ve used acetone/nail cleaning fluid for years and have been very interested in new products over the last 20 years I remember when track magic came out Model rail magazine did a product test in their magazine It pronounced it as the best thing since sliced bread But I wasn’t going to pay the money they expected for it! As it turns out I’m not sure how unbiased their tests were On the other hand your test convinced me to change to IPA in future I liked all the standards you chose to measure Well done 👍
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing Jon! Yep typical magazines - track magic indeed! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@engineeringmadness23973 жыл бұрын
hi sam what do you think about Methylated spirits because i think it would be good to go into another video like this one, and i find it works really well
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Hey! I know those are good for cleaning, but it's not something I've ever tried - so not sure how it'd affect plastics etc! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@allentorres20665 жыл бұрын
I was desperate of finding any track or wheel cleaner I can get my hands on, and of course I got the track magic. All I have to say in this subject is that at least it gets the job done nicely :) Great video idea Sam :D
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
It certainly does get the job done nicely - but I'd say try IPA - for a fraction of the price, I think you'll be impressed! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@railway1873 жыл бұрын
I’m not that handy to disassemble a locomotive for servicing - I saw some videos about putting a whole locomotive in a container filled with a cleaning fluid... and it sort of magically cleaned the loco. (for instance this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ms2mf8iglsvIm2w.html or kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a7Fxfdpnz96zpoE.html) Do you have experience with this magic cleaning? And if so, is it a good way to clean a loco?
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
That's understandable - it's a very fiddly job! Yeah that can work, but I wouldn't recommend it - it won't clean things properly, and the old lubricant will still be in there... no substitute for proper cleaning unfortunately! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@oswestryroadtmd48504 жыл бұрын
I never commented on your posts before but I found this most useful, I am wondering what was the most effect for cleaning points and preventing frog problems which is the bain of my modelling life
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Great to hear that Thomas - I use IPA for this too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@Legomastr3655 жыл бұрын
So if I had a beyond repair model that I want to cosmetically redesign to look like a scrap engine, would you recommend dipping the shell into nail polish for a corrosion effect?
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
haha yeah! Look at my video called the Ugly Tank Engine - that's what it'll look like ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@retrojay20145 жыл бұрын
I recently got all my old Hornby bits and pieces out the attic and went through each piece to clean it, having little to no knowledge of model rail proper cleaning practises here was my approach. -For cleaning track I took cotton balls and dipped them in a water/baking soda mixture and cleaned the track piece by piece, this was to erase oxidisation and generally clean the track, I then finished it off by wiping each piece with microfiber cloth, this was to give the track a smooth wipe down and remove any moisture left after air drying. -As for locomotives and rolling stock I dissembled them following online tutorials and initially used a can of compressed air to blow out large chunks of dust and dirt along with a small sized paint brush (dry, never used), following this I took Q-tips and dipped them in a small bottle of 'Surgical Spirit' - which for intensive purposes has the same/or similar qualities as Isopropyl alcohol and scrubbed the plastics and gearbox externals. I used a drop of Wd40 into the gearbox and inner wheel axles as lubricating oil (perhaps not the best choice, but what I had lying around), and lastly I dunked Q-tips into the surgical spirit and used that to clean the outer wheels for good contact. -Lastly the loco/rolling stock's body, I simply took a Poundland spray bottle and filled it with a small amount of vinegar and the rest water, sprayed each piece of bodywork and scrubbed gently with a purpose bought 'soft' toothbrush. Ran under the cold tap to rinse, then left to air dry. A couple hours work with utensils and products laying around the house, and a clean working order set of Hornby. What a wonderful hobby. :)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Hi Jay, that all sounds very good to me - can't see anything wrong with what you did there - did it all work nicely after that? Great work, and enjoy mate!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@retrojay20145 жыл бұрын
@@SamsTrains Yep, everything seems to all be working rather nicely and it's been a couple of weeks at this point, so assuming none of the products used hurt anything. Been rather pleasing having small trains chuff around my office floor whilst I work! Great channel by the way, been watching some of your video's - you clearly love what you do. Jay :)
@LaytonJunction5 жыл бұрын
hi sam i use goo gone in a cmx track cleaner and i fined it works very well 👍
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh awesome! Never heard of that - I'll have to try it! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@adamlaverick13865 жыл бұрын
Great video Sam I only tend to clean my track with some fine grit sandpaper to get the really worked in bits off
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment mate! Ooh that sounds a bit abrasive - you need to be careful not to scratch up the track surface!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@adamlaverick13865 жыл бұрын
I use 500 or higher grit
@Poliss955 жыл бұрын
Using abrasives, such as sandpaper, on your track will leave tiny scratches which will collect dirt.
@jacobwilson54685 жыл бұрын
Great video, Sam.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jacob! :D
@ooairmonkey47714 жыл бұрын
I always come back to this video for some reason or other! It's one of the most useful ones out there! Cheers for that, Sam! 🙌 What do you recommend to clean the actual body of the loco? I've recently received a Hornby loco that, obviously due to the sweltering summer heat, had the glue melt on a couple of the little foam pads they put all over inside the block of ice packaging. So on a couple of places on the body there's a bit of tacky glue residue that looks rather bad. I'm wondering if I should use isopropyl alcohol to clean it off or if you would recommend something else if one is to clean the actual body. Thanks in advance!
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
That's great to hear mate, glad you find this one handy! You can't beat slightly soapy warm water for bodywork - anything stronger might strip the paint off! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@ooairmonkey47714 жыл бұрын
Sam'sTrains Cheers, Sam! Always so available and ready to answer comments! Honestly, I don’t know how you manage with so many subscribers! But luckily for us you do manage! 😊
@rynodynomyte27555 жыл бұрын
Perfect cleaning techniques mate!
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ryno! :D
@rynodynomyte27555 жыл бұрын
Your welcome Sam! :D
@kite72143 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sam. Very informative. Keith
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Keith, glad you thought so! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@anythingvintage29523 жыл бұрын
Great video mate, I found out I little bit of mentholated spirits work well and some time kerosene
@Fminus1044 жыл бұрын
As a petrolhead it´s lighter fluid for me, Sam. You either love the smell or you don´t. Been using it for ages and never had any issues whatsoever. Isoprop kind of makes me recall my dentist´s, which I prefer not to ;) Cheers
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
haha that's fair enough - I did use that for many years, and it works very well! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@RichardKuivila19472 ай бұрын
Lighter fluid is mostly Naphtha (petroleum derivative) with additives (?) . to make it perform better in lighters. . . CRC Contact Cleaner is very good.
@dennisedgar34303 жыл бұрын
Hello Sam, another cleaner that I have used is Wahl Clipper Oil. It works very well and has no vapour.
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this Dennis, I'll have to try that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@robmasterman5 жыл бұрын
Based on watching your excellent videos Sam, I've been using Lighter fuel, and found it did an excellent job, however Isopropyl seems a more cost effective material, so may try that for evaluation......Another very useful subject to make a video of....Bob
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Bob - yeah sure, give it a try and let me know how you go on - I think it's easily as good, if not better than the lighter fuel! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@davidstrains49105 жыл бұрын
Great video Sam
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks David! :D
@peterheath90022 жыл бұрын
Have you compared white spirit?
@loganduckthomas1best6975 жыл бұрын
Great video Sam this was very helpful as my models are starting to get to the point where they need to be cleaned so seeing this was a big help ! By the way is there anywhere I can buy that “Sams Trains” T-shirt ?
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh that's good to hear Logan - good luck with it! Sadly I don't sell the shirts, but I may do one day :3 Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@loganduckthomas1best6975 жыл бұрын
Sam'sTrains thxs for wishing me luck (I feel like I’m gonna need it) and it’s ok you don’t sell the shirt but if you do I’ll be the first to buy it !
@richardclowes61232 жыл бұрын
Really glad I watched this. I have been using Inox for cleaning track though as according to the slight crazy ausi from fishplates who was an electrician says it's all about conductivity. Wondered whether using this to clean wheels on locos might be a good idea as this is where all the conductivity is required. Keep us the good work Sam. cheers, Rick the Bulldog
@gulflines19602 жыл бұрын
I tried Inox MX3 on just a small part of my track, and found that it GREATLY reduced traction. Because of the oil in Inox, it will get on the loco and rolling stock wheels and spread around the track.
@richardclowes61232 жыл бұрын
Inox completely ruined the traction tyres on my 4-4-0. It used to haul a good rake of carriages up my 3% incline and can now barely get itself up. Didn't have enough room to put a lower incline in !!! Does anyone know of a really heavy loco that could pull at least 3 carriages up my incline but that will also work on 1st radius curves. My Hogwarts Express 4-6-0 seems to manage the incline and curves but it is loaded with magnet underneath and has Power Base metal plates under the track.
@B1270w5 жыл бұрын
Hey Sam I recently bought a used loco (Hornby B12 number 8544) and the wheels are bronze (I think it's dirt), what cleaning fluid would you recommend? thanks Ash
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Hey Ash! You can't really beat IPA - although if it's rust, you'll need something stronger, possibly even a dremel ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@Furrytrash4284 жыл бұрын
Is bachmann ez lube compatable with hornby
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
I would expect so yeah, never tried it though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@highbrookendmodelrailway4 жыл бұрын
Some good information here Sam. I personally use WD-40 - not for cleaning track, I just use one of those soft kitchen sponges, and that seems to get a good amount of dirt to come off from the rails. I spray some WD-40 onto the cotton bud, then rub it on the wheels. It's unbelievable the amount of dirt that comes off the wheels - even if they look sparkly clean! Only problem with WD-40 is that you have to be careful about getting it on the plastic bodies of locomotives and rolling stock - a widely debated topic, I know! I have a large can of WD-40 left to use yet, but may try some of these fluids in future! George
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate! Ahh that sounds very interesting - I've used that in the past too, but you need to get all the WD40 off before use - otherwise it lubricates the wheels! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@questforalex95395 жыл бұрын
congrats on 30k sam when i subbed you at on 5k
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much mate - it's really nice to have your support! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@Poliss955 жыл бұрын
I used to use these solvents in large quantities. i.e. 200 litre drums (apart from lighter fluid). OK if you use in very small quantities, but if you use them regularly then take care. According to the Safety Data Sheets for: IPA 99%: Can cause irritation if absorbed through skin. Nail polish remover (Acetone): Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. I never liked working with acetone. It's stinks and, as you say, melts plastics (including synthetic cloths you might use). Lighter fluid (Naphtha): Brief contact may cause slight irritation. Skin irritation leading to dermatitis may occur upon prolonged or repeated contact. Can be absorbed through skin. Haven't tried IPA. Royal Mail have banned it being sent by them, so if your eBay seller breaks the rules by sending it by RM can they be trusted to be sending you genuine IPA? I use lighter fluid because it's fairly cheap and is readily available. A word of caution. It will remove some types of factory paint finishes in an instant. I have an old Arnold coach with no paint on the roof to show for that little experiment. After 20 years of using these solvents I am occasionally subject to dermatitis on my hands, even though I left the job 20 years ago. The worst one, not mentioned here, is Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) found in paint stripper. Breathe that in when it's warm and it will knock you out. Lighter fluid has an added bonus that you can clean your grubby second hand book covers with it. :-)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Very interesting - thanks very much for this! I believe my IPA arrived via a different courier, but the proof is in the pudding - you can see how well it works, and that's all I'm interested in! Ahh Methylene Chloride sounds like one to avoid for sure! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@JaguarProJoe3 жыл бұрын
Do you have any method on cleaning completely blacked out track
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Peco track rubber - that's what I'd do! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@JaguarProJoe3 жыл бұрын
Sam'sTrains thanks it’s always a pleasure watching your videos
@danielanderson53645 жыл бұрын
good interesting video i will getting some ipa soon then and Sam remember me tell you about my flying Scotsman i got it running good with the ringfield mot or it was to do with power for the locomotive to the tender so i had to make wire because the contacted was rubbish i have ran it for 1/2 year.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Daniel - good luck with the IPA - be very careful with it! Well done sorting out your ringfield! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@skarloeyno15104 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam I got some paint an some of my terriers weels in dont know what work the best to get it off
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Ooh that's not good! What sort of paint was it?? Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@skarloeyno15104 жыл бұрын
@@SamsTrains I think it was hummbrel enamel or acrylic paints
@michaeldavies96005 жыл бұрын
Great video Sam i use IPA and drink Indian Pale Ale :)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
haha that sounds spot on to me!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@pen-gos73214 жыл бұрын
I gave just seen another video on this topic which rants on about Isopropyl contains water and thus can affect electrical conductivity on the railhead or wheels. Yes they might be clean but will they conduct electricity correctly?
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Yes it does - this IPA is 99.99% pure. At 30 degrees, regular air can contain up to 4% water, so the 0.01% in the IPA is negligible. Who was publishing this information? Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@pen-gos73214 жыл бұрын
@@SamsTrains It was from Fishplate Films kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9hif5t_uN6znoU.html Theres the link. I found a can of lighter fuel which I used today and was staggered at the dirt removed from my track after using a rubber . IPA back on the list .
@lucasjunction90835 жыл бұрын
The track magic also contains a very small warning about only using it on the rail head. It causes peco set track to go brittle. I can confirm it definitely does cause the sleepers to become very brittle and the chairs break just by touching them.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Really?? that's a bit worrying! Thanks for the tip - I didn't know that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@TIMG1284 жыл бұрын
Very informative. Excellent stuff. Just one question...HOW many locos are on the shelf??!!!!!!
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Tim - quite a lot haha!! xD
@beardedfrodo28855 жыл бұрын
Hi sam Have you tried using car brake cleaner about 13 pounds for 5 litres and cleans really well
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Never tried that - thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@asmodeus5995 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sam now I know witch fluid is the best to use when I clean my models.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
No problem mate - glad this was helpful! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@williamsoutar89295 жыл бұрын
I probably I will use IPA because I’m gonna service and repairing my Locomotives and you are my biggest fan.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh awesome mate - hope it goes well for you! Thanks for the lovely comments! Cheers, Sam :)
@waldenhouse5 жыл бұрын
Cardboard. Or the rough side of hardboard. I read some time (years) ago, of the Torquay Model Railway Club using hardboard underslung under coaches. This was achieved using a small piece, about 10mm x 50mm and two small, long, machine screws (possibly 8BA) drilled through the coach underframe and through the hardboard. These are secured by nuts screwed onto the end of the screws. As the coach traverses the track, the drag on the hardboard causes it to take up dirt from the track. The screws are a loose fit and allowed to rise and fall with track differences. The other recommendation is, of course, to change all plastic wheels to metal ones. Cheers. Bob
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Hi Bob, that sounds fascinating - I'd love to try that one day, very clever idea! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@jacksmithvlogs2265 жыл бұрын
hi sam do you think I could use petrol as lighter fluid.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
I don't know about that one Jack - I wouldn't personally, because it'll be trouble if you accidentally ignite it!! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@zanderman20295 жыл бұрын
Hey Sam, would you use IPA on the track I’m really struggling to keep it clean and looking for a good solution, Thanks
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Yeah you could do! The best thing for track is the Peco track rubber though! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@zanderman20295 жыл бұрын
Thanks I’ll give that a try
@Caytomadeit4 жыл бұрын
use contact cleaner. found at hardware stores
@joefugate2296 Жыл бұрын
One big flaw in your analysis … IPA gets things very clean, but as a polar solvent it makes the metal surface develop oxides very quickly in the presence of electricity - so things get dirty again very fast. That’s why electrical contact cleaning professional guides ban IPA as an electrical contact cleaner. You want non-polar solvents as your preferred electrical contact cleaner. Two good non-polar solvents are mineral spirits and yes, Track Magic.
@richardquebec58505 жыл бұрын
Super merci beaucoup, c'est mon choix aussi :)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@nnrfanoldaccount5 жыл бұрын
Im now running my *Hornby P2* and she runs very well. Apart from when she derails on points
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh great to hear she runs well! Yeah mine does too - they don't really like points in my experience ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@jamesdunloptrains5 жыл бұрын
Very interesting Sam
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks James! :D
@Themodelrailer4 жыл бұрын
Watch a lot of your videos on servicing and model stuff would love to know how you clean and maintain your layout to run so well all the time?
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Great to hear that Kevin - there's not much to it, but I could film a video on that some time! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@clivewilkinson60763 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam, interesting vid as always. Been doing some research on this as I am starting a new layout with new track. Have seen good reports about electrical contact cleaners, which are supposed to be much better than IPA. Some however, leave a conductive residue (good) but it can make the track slippery (not so good if you have an incline), and may affect traction tyres. WD40 fast drying contact cleaner apparently does not leave a residue, and may be better, maybe not. Might be worth looking into.
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Clive! Yes I've seen that too actually - not so good for cleaning other components such as commutators though, where the residue could be disastrous! I think IPA may still be the most useful for universal use, but I'll have to try the contact cleaner at some point! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@davidbugler45973 жыл бұрын
IPA is useful as a degreaser when cleaning oily or greasy mechanisms. However, it leaves its own residue on the 'cleaned' surface and it is VERY hygroscopic, so it will attract water wherever it goes -- which is not good for most electrical mechanisms. In the USA it is not allowed professionally for cleaning electrical contacts for these reasons, quite apart from the health and safety issues. And of course the rail and wheel surfaces are electrical contacts. For track-cleaning the best material by far is a fluid designed specifically for cleaning electrical contacts, such as CRC switch cleaner or Inox. If you use these on the track, you don't even have to clean your wheels -- they will self-clean on the track, which can be attended to at the next wipe-down. NEVER use a track rubber, since it will seriously abrade your track and create microscopic pits, damaging the profile and collecting even more dirt.
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Many thanks for sharing David, appreciate the extra info! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@arthur850_4 жыл бұрын
Does this work also for cleaning your model train wheels? (The IPA especially)
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
For the most part, it does indeed! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@arthur850_4 жыл бұрын
@@SamsTrains can I also apply it on my tracks?
@mick98854 жыл бұрын
@@arthur850_ I have done but i saw a video today from a chap in Australia and he didn't recommend it as best, he uses something called "INOX" as it conducts electric as well as a cleaner,
@adamrushton17405 жыл бұрын
Is that a Mainline Ivatt 2mt tank Sam? (the body shell I Meant)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
It was technically a Bachmann one, but most likely it's the same thing! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@ridgepointerail94625 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam... Lighter fluid in Australia can be bought in bulk as Shellite from Bunnings at 5 poundsa litre, but you could use Coleman Fuel, its basically the same at 9 Pounds a litre. IPA is very expensive over here.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh very good - that sounds a lot less expensive!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@tavomarz5 жыл бұрын
cool video
@ModelTrainFun4 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam. What I hear from other railroad modelers is that one shouldn't just evaluate the immediate effectiveness, but also the long term effectiveness. Some fluids are said to attract dirt (IPA) vs. others that don't. Just found your channel, so you might have covered it elsewhere... I am still looking for the best method to clean wheels and tracks that will work best in the long term with least amount of work for me :-)
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Yes that's true Bo - but IPA doesn't attract dirt - there's a (certain) video out there that gives misinformation about IPA. Provided the purity is 99.9% (which most is), it works perfectly well - it's easily the best fluid of choice for wheel cleaning! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@Louisianacentral84 жыл бұрын
Yes I would go for ipa if I was a modeler which I’m am not Love your vids:)
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Yeah for sure - it definitely works the best! Happy New Year, Sam :)
@trainman070115 жыл бұрын
It's also worth saying here that IPA can be an effective paint and/or lettering remover depending on the finish of the model. Lighter fluid is becoming increasingly rare here in the US.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh is that so? I've never tried it for that, but if I ever need to, I may! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@ItsTrainFun3 жыл бұрын
Really useful video! But I don't use cleaning fluid alot, I use a track cleaning block. It gets rid of dirt on the tracks and wheels! :D but sometimes I use a fluid for my expensive locomotives (like the polar express and Thomas and friends locos) I also have a block I can place on the tracks and it is just sweeping the dirt of the wheels when they get power from the block. If you're (or someone else!) is interested in what I exactly mean I can make a video about it :D
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Sure, for track I use a rubber for my tracks too - this is mainly for locos and wheels! Merry Christmas, Sam :)
@srduke5 жыл бұрын
When I was a youngster in the 1970s, I always used Methylated Spirits for track and wheel cleaning. There's always Turps and White Spirit that you could try. I'm surprised that the IPA wasn't more destructive considering it's an ingredient in Phoenix Precision paint stripper
@Poliss955 жыл бұрын
Methylated Spirit in the UK contains a blue dye which can leave a residue when it dries. Australian Methylated Spirit doesn't have the dye.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh that sounds interesting - I'll have to give that a try! I was surprised too - but I can't recall ever ruining plastic with it actually! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@andrewguttry68864 жыл бұрын
Yes, I've been using surgical spirit which is 95% meths. Works well.
@nickelplatenerd69895 жыл бұрын
What class of tank engine did you use on your picture. It was a Southern 0-4-0, but I don't know what class it is.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
I'm not too sure about the class - It may just be a generic 0-4-0, possibly even fictional?? ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@nickelplatenerd69895 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sam, I remember Intercity 82 has one like that. He compared it to Thomas.
@railfan28224 жыл бұрын
I've always used ipa because it's what is usually around. I've always wondered if there might be a better option. After watching this video, I think it best to just keep doing what I've been doing.
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Yeah I always recommend IPA these days - you can't beat it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@a.r.productions5 жыл бұрын
what is the strength of the IPA that you use. I'mm planning to use it instead of track magic
@robstrains87115 жыл бұрын
The higher the better I use 97% but anything from 90% is good.
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure it was in the high 90s - I'll double check! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Yes - it was 99%, supposedly!
@revoltingrails615 жыл бұрын
I’ll try It!
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Let me know how you get on! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@claptnei Жыл бұрын
Hi Sam, Have watched your video several times. I have used IPA 99% mostly to clean track and wheels, but recently saw a video about WD-40 contact cleaner being better. I tried a contact cleaner (not WD-40 one) and it did an amazing job. BUT, the down side is it left a oily residue that made the wheels slip. I tried IPA to get it off, but no luck. In the end I had to use my Peco track rubber. I also tried the Dapol track cleaning fluid for their track cleaner coach, this has a similar effect and left an oily residue? I am going to try the WD-40 contact cleaner as is says its quick drying, but this goes to show, not al contact cleaners are the same. Do you use IPA 99% all the time to clean your track and wheels? Keep up the good work 🙂
@SamsTrains Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing Neil - I wouldn’t bother with the WD40 - the supposed issue with IPA was due to it being non-polar, but as it evaporates immediately, it doesn’t much matter! Try a peco track rubber - those work great!
@BritishRail600625 жыл бұрын
Lighter fluid is my choice but I open the window when I clean the wheels because that stuff does STINK. I might try IPA though but the track magic is just WAY too expensive for something that a modeller would get through regularly. That said, the lighter fluid is effective but its best to A remove the bodyshell or B remove the wheels from the locomotive, carriage or wagon :).
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
haha yeah it does stink - that's why I prefer IPA, it still smells, but it's much less obnoxious! Agreed - Track Magic is prohibitively expensive! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@gulflines1960 Жыл бұрын
I've been using lighter fluid for many years, and never had any problems with it. I briefly tried using IPA but stopped using it after I accidentally destroyed some loco lettering while cleaning loco wheels. Remember that IPA is actually used as a paint remover, so using it around painted models/surfaces is always going to be risky.
@donaldshroyer86333 жыл бұрын
Nice vid. I've tried automatic transmission fluid, the kind rated safe for plastic, and found it fairly effective for cleaning. But it is also lubricating, an effect that takes some time to wear off. It also leaves behind a film that seems to retard dirt accumulation. I'd never use any kind of abrasive as that will just accelerate dirt accumulation.
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing Donald, I'll have to give that a try some time! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@FastDuckyGaming5 жыл бұрын
Hey Sam, long time no see! :D What happens if I don’t clean the tracks for many months? Or it gets dusty?
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Hey! If you don't clean your tracks, your locos will soon start to run poorly. If it's dusty and the dust/hair gets inside the mechanisms, it could even damage them! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@davidrussell7484 жыл бұрын
Your trains will eventually stop running
@lorrainecohen16495 жыл бұрын
Very interesting sam
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! :D
@richramik20924 жыл бұрын
Two things. First, I found your video very educational. For my usage, the IPA would seem to work the best. I then followed it with CRC (tuner cleaner). Works wonders. I've used the tuner cleaner in the past, but never thought about using the IPA. Well done. Second, I was looking for information on the Atlas/Dapol track cleaning car. During my search, I came across a video on the Turbosuager. I believe it is Swiss made. From what I could see, it does one heck of a job. Do you have or know anything about this product? I could see this being a part of my "MOW" train.
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Many thanks Rich, glad this was some help to you! No I never have heard of that one, but thanks for that, I'll look it up! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@tristenletch13735 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam I was wondering have you ever been to the great Dorset steam fair
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Hey! I never have - is it worth a visit?? :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@MrNoUsername Жыл бұрын
Hey Sam, What percentage of IPA do you use?
@SamsTrains Жыл бұрын
You want as high as possible, as the water can stay behind and cause corrosion. 99.9% if possible
@IndigoDVW4 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam.... After a lot of years in the hobby the best cleaner is water with a dash of detergent and meths applied with a wagon equipted with an applicator system followed by a wiper pad arrangement made of kid leather as a wiper off. If your track ever shows a grey residue your track is filthy. Totally clean track provides better electrical and climbing ability on grades and wheels do not 'gum' up because there is no contaminants on 'clean' track. Logical really! If you have been using oils and other such things for track cleaning a sparing application of kerosine will get your track prepared/degreased quicker for my method to be effective. Here endith the lesson! Don W. NZ.
@SamsTrains4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment Don - I don't recommend water at all, it encourages corrosion and is slow to evaporate, particularly on locomotives! Glad to hear it works well for you though! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@bobingabout3 жыл бұрын
I tend to use IPA or Mentholated spirits for cleaning the metal work, and Glasses wipes or similar for plastic work. I also have contact cleaner which I often use when working with the electro-mechanical components like motors, but IPA can also work there, switch cleaner just does a better job of removing oil and grease. Brake cleaner would also work for removing grease I guess.
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing - that does sound good! I do tend to use IPA for cleaning all kinds of other things too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@MrBnsftrain5 жыл бұрын
the cleaning fluid I use is Life-Like track cleaner (product number 1415) It varies in effectiveness because most of the time i end up lightly scraping off the dirt. You should do a comparison of types of dry track cleaners/ track cleaning cars and pads
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh I see - never tried that, so I'll look into it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@JonatanGronoset5 жыл бұрын
I've used hand sanitizer to clean the wheels on my locos and stock, unfortunately it had the negative effect of removing some of the red paint from the loco wheels so caution is adviced!
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ooh that's very original - never heard of that being used before! I'll have to give that a try some time! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@bjoe3853 жыл бұрын
Might I suggest Inox or CRC 2-26 for track, they clean the track very well and leaves a protective conducive layer on the track. Maybe give the track a going over with IPA or if you plan on running a loco with traction tyres as the two fluids mentioned earlier don’t work well with traction tyres.
@SamsTrains3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion Jeff, I'll look into that! :D Happy New Year - Sam :)
@thelittlebrightonshunter5 жыл бұрын
Keep up the good work
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot mate!! :D Cheers, Sam :)
@miscellaneous.71275 жыл бұрын
I usually use Track Magic even though it is way expensive. I juts like all the other sponges and pipettes you get with it. :)
@SamsTrains5 жыл бұрын
Ahh that's fair enough mate - if you like the extras, then it's worth it! :D Cheers, Sam :)