I can't imagine a better explanation on track and wheel cleaning. GREAT video. I especially like your advice about simply replacing the wheels.
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much , Mike
@michaelmorgan7893
Жыл бұрын
I'm with you on the Goo Gone. I had a friend who used Goo Gone on our H.O. gage layout, and over time, that Goo Gone softened the plastic "spike heads" on our track, causing several places to go out of gage near turnouts and curves.
@N-Scale
Жыл бұрын
Alcohol cleans with no residue !!
@RWSBaden
8 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, The Woodland Scenics Tidy Track cleaner pads that look like Velcro are to be used for heavy cleaning. They are labeled Scrubbing pads, the light colored pads are for general cleaning. For hand cleaning I really like the Walthers CRATEX block (Part No. 949-522) For track cleaning cars, the Centerline Products Model #2 track cleaning car (modified) works best for my layout. I've modified my Centerline Products model #2 car to accept a square piece of a bright boy, instead of using the supplied roller and handy wipes. I then run the car like any other track cleaning car and allow it to gently scrub the rail heads. Just a few tips that work on my layout. Another nice video Mike, thanks for posting it. Rich S.
@mikefifer6111
8 жыл бұрын
Rich , Maybe you could do a write-up on the centerline mod and I could post it on the How Too page. Mike
@maxheadroom7687
7 жыл бұрын
Great video Mike, really explained the options so well, made a ton of sense. Keep up the great work.
@mikefifer6111
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Stephen, Mike
@orangemanonsteroids8569
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Just getting back into the hobby after 40 years. It has changed so much. I'm actually lost. I grew up with HO but about a year ago I came across a great deal on about 20 N Scale engines. track ( Bach man). And and assortment of buildings total actual value was about $2000.00 i picked it up for about $1000.00. So I'm having to relearn again I'm not sure how far I want to go. I keep imagining a great John Allen concept but keep losing interest after a few days. If I decide to ever go HO Im going to buy one of those wooden sheds and insulate it, get some kind of ac and heat system to help keep the air inside from getting too humid.
@N-Scale
2 жыл бұрын
Above all , Have fun. PS , do NOT use the bachmann track, the turnouts are problematic.
@randybryson5519
3 жыл бұрын
Once again, you’ve saved my bacon, 5 yrs later. Thx
@N-Scale
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Randy , glad to help !!!
@mgamga9476
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for all the help on youtube. When you say sandpaper. What grit is safe for N scale track?
@N-Scale
8 ай бұрын
Can you be more spacific in the video???
@patbojalil4454
2 жыл бұрын
Dear Mike. many thanks for the education. question: Could you please tell me about your pine trees,did you make them?Thank you Sir.
@N-Scale
2 жыл бұрын
I did not make them , I got them on Ebay and the man is no longer selling them. Mike
@patbojalil4454
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mike. I always look forward to enjoying your expert advice.Happy railroading from Canada.
@N-Scale
2 жыл бұрын
@@patbojalil4454 Thanks Pat Eah.
@GlennGinsburg
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike always enjoy your videos because they very informative for a newbie like myself
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Glenn , and glad to help. Mike
@wendellcamp6233
8 жыл бұрын
Mike I have a CMX when I first use it I marked the top of the needle valve and on the tank with a pencil so I can set the drip the same each time
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
That bis a good Idea but we close ours completely when not in use and have to unscrew it many turns. Good idea though. Mike
@wendellcamp6233
8 жыл бұрын
N Scale Model Trains How To Channel Mike I close the and the vent and the needle valve when not in use. I open the the vent then line up the marks on the needle valve and tank .I my case about a half turn on the needle valae to get the drop rate I want so I can set the drip the same each time
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Cool , Mike
@pianoart1505
3 жыл бұрын
love the way you go into details
@ikeremanuel9005
3 жыл бұрын
pro trick: watch series on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.
@leeford5492
3 жыл бұрын
@Iker Emanuel Definitely, have been using flixzone} for since november myself =)
@nozet3113
7 жыл бұрын
Very interesting Video. Could you tell me what will be with the adhesive tyres by using the Trix/Märklin wheelcleaner. I think they must be damaged by using it often?
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
Never use the trix cleaner with traction tires. I make it a habit not to own anything that needs traction tires. Thanks , Mike
@nozet3113
7 жыл бұрын
Ok,thanks for the information. Wonder why they sell that for their own lokos. They all have traction tires.
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
Not sure who you are referring to but some steam locos have tires because they do not weigh enough to pull much. You really can not use the Trix on any steam anyway. I have used the Trix for years with no ill effect. If it make one nervous maybe try the Woodland Scenics wheel cleaner. Thanks , Mike
@elleryparsons2433
Жыл бұрын
This Video Rocks👍👍👍👍.
@mikerossscuba
8 жыл бұрын
Dear Mike: Great informative vid! My MT plastic wheels pick up dirt which sticks to them like crazy, so I went with mostly BLMA (and also FVM and Athearn) metal wheel sets. What a difference! The guys who claim that they don't get crud on their plastic wheels must all be in a sealed room like yours. Most of us mortals must use a garage or room with other uses, creating a dust problem. I find the metal wheel sets tack better, sound better, look better, and pick up much less crud than plastic. Jus' sayin'.... Unfortunately, BLMA recently got bought up by Atlas, and those superb wheel sets are no longer available (creating a nation-wide stampede to gobble up any remaining BLMA sets still in stock.)
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
I have a feeling Atlas will , at some point , resume production of the sets. Mike
@colinmansell3524
8 жыл бұрын
Well Well. Mike thank you for a great educational video. I will certainly watch this again when I am ready. If I cannot find it I will email you for the advice or video. Thanks again.
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Collin, This is the way I now do it as opposed to the orig. video I did. Thanks , Mike
@jimmyk5223
3 жыл бұрын
I'm new to n scale. What code track should use. Code 80 or 55 ? I heard 55 is more realistic but?? Would I be better with code 80...
@N-Scale
3 жыл бұрын
That would be your decision but I would go 80 as ANYTHING will run on it. Mike
@jimmyk5223
3 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale . I agree anything will run it....Code 80 it is. Thank you. Lov all the videos. I'm learning alot....
@cudgee7144
4 жыл бұрын
Mike, been reading up on some sites and forums about lightly applying graphite to n scale tracks to improve conductivity, what are your thoughts on this. Really enjoy your informative videos, cheers.
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
Never done it but I would not. Mike
@penjjd_0459
6 жыл бұрын
About the rubber on wheels to make a traction.is there any negative effect using that kind of item?.specialy on my tomix ef210 and de10 train?thank you
@N-Scale
6 жыл бұрын
Never use a brush on traction tires. I do not buy any locos with traction tires. Thanks , Mike
@PaulSmith-pl7fo
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike. I'm new to your channel and I do realise that this video is almost 5 years old. I don't know about the US, but these days rolling stock pretty much all come with metal wheels. Something that I have wondered about track cleaning cars: why are they always pulled; my logic says push them around the track and the loco's wheels then run on clean track! It may make little or no difference, but I just wondered...
@N-Scale
3 жыл бұрын
While I do push my CMX car they are WAY more prone to derailing in an unwanted spot by pushing. Thanks , Mike
@nscaleusa1832
4 жыл бұрын
Great Video!
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@FoamySoaps
7 жыл бұрын
Loving your videos. I think it would be helpful if you could just name the products you mention in the description though. Would help me look for it myself!
Can I ask you a question please? I have a n scale diesel been sitting for 6 months. When I put it on the track it moves very slow and smoke comes out from under it. Can I offer any advice or ideas as to how to correct or what is wrong. Thanks in advance. Brian
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
If smoke came out it is likely burned up and no longer any good. Who manufactured it?????
@brianu33
5 жыл бұрын
Mike Fifer it’s a Bachmann with low hours. It does move but very slow. Then smoke comes out within seconds. Could the motor be stuck?
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
@@brianu33 Bachmann it not known for their longevity. It sounds like something is binding but Bachmann has a warranty, send it back to them. Thanks , Mike
@brianu33
5 жыл бұрын
Mike Fifer thank you again for taking the time to answer me. I’ll try to send it back
@CarmineRC
8 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike! The CMX is too rich for my blood, but I may have to take a better look at the Woodland Scenics, both the wheel cleaner and track cleaner! I've been spoiled with Keep-Alive on all of my locomotives, and got lax about track cleaning... But I forgot about the gunk on the rolling stock wheels. It's easy to get complacent with technology... Good video.
@mikefifer6111
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Carmine Hope you guys are well. Mike
@CarmineRC
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike. We're OK.... Have a problem that only a fellow southwesterner can understand. OUR A/C IS OUT!! Of COURSE, a part that had to be ordered! Hopefully soon.....TODAY would be great. :*O I'm worried about my Layout. It's never been below 68 degrees, and never ABOVE 73..... It's foam over wood. I'm HOPING that will keep the track from contorting!! I hope you and Robin, and Gavin, are well.
@mikefifer6111
8 жыл бұрын
Hope you get the part soon! You could always go back to whetted burlap over the doors and windows!! LOL Mike
@CarmineRC
8 жыл бұрын
+Mike Fifer Thank God for speedy delivery!!! We got it running last night, and it's almost normal now... The BEST part - NO track bends or kinks!!! That's an amazing testimony to the use of extruded Styrofoam base & subroadbed!! }:‹D We did OK too. lol We DID resort to damp towels over fans... didn't have any burlap. :P
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
Glad you are back in business. Mike
@Gavs_rc_hobbies
8 жыл бұрын
I may have to get both a Trix and Woodland Scenics for my locomotives. I just hope my Bachmann EM1 steam locomotive will fit on the Woodland Scenics cleaner.
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
I do not think it will but not sure. Mike
@dacuzzz
8 жыл бұрын
hi Mike.. great info.. what is the cost of the brass car??? thanks for sharing.. vinny
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Vinny , they are 148.99. OUCH! fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16261
@dacuzzz
8 жыл бұрын
maybe i can ask Santa to bring one for me...
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
That guy (or gal) might! Mike
@mrradiocontrol3523
Жыл бұрын
Great Video this helped me out a lot 👍 😀
@N-Scale
Жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@scotthayes5933
5 жыл бұрын
Would the Trix or Woodland Scenics wheel cleaners work on a GG1?
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
Trix , No , Woodland would carefully as the GG1 has traction tires. Thanks , Mike
@elleryparsons5766
3 жыл бұрын
I do find it Useful.and I remember it well.
@wa4mthwa4mth
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike. Glad to see an update on this chanel. I watched your main chanel also. I enjoyed the KC n scale convention video and the rail watching of the BNSF. Keep up the great work.
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark, Glad to have you following along. Mike
@mikevervynck9358
5 жыл бұрын
That was very helpful now I know what to do because I'm just starting n scale
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike , Glad to help
@mikevervynck9358
5 жыл бұрын
I subscribe to your channel because you got some helpful tips and I like getting ideas to
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
@@mikevervynck9358 Thanks Mike and look under Mike Fifer for my other channel and our store site here. www.fiferhobby.com/
@aaronrooney6559
7 жыл бұрын
Again Mike, great video! Thank you!
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Aaron, Mike
@markhayes6407
7 жыл бұрын
I like the erasers on the stick. Bridges are the hardest and that should help me. Thanks.
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
They work very well. Thanks , Mike
@markhayes6407
7 жыл бұрын
I have a lot of bridges on my layout and up to now it's been a pain keeping the tracks clean. My layout is indoors away from outside dirt like a garage but close to a kitchen that cooking smoke sometimes reaches it causing buildup. I intend to use your method very soon.
@bbrockRailFan
8 жыл бұрын
I agree with you on Goo-Gone 100%
@brianu3536
6 жыл бұрын
have you done a video on n scale lighted passenger cars? mine flicker and a few barley light. should I clean the axle? or push bar on axle harder? any advice would be appreciated.
@N-Scale
6 жыл бұрын
Clean the wheels , the track , the axle ends and the axle cups on the trucks. I also solder the light to the pickups. I assume we are talking Kato here? The track is the biggest offender. Mike
@brianu33
6 жыл бұрын
I will try removing wheels and clean cup and axle. I do have 1 more question. I have a 4-8-4 steam engine that suddenly is jerking on track. I cleaned all wheels and track but it still doing it. any thoughts? thank you in advance. I also have a bachmann gandy dancer thst worked fine then just stopped on track and never worked agsin. I thought maybe it was dry and seized.
@N-Scale
6 жыл бұрын
I do not work on or know much about steam engines. Bachmann has a bad habit of not running. Sorry , Mike
@sparky107107
8 жыл бұрын
thanks Mike, I didn't know you had a second channel, I subbed to this one also, and, just ordered from walthers a cmx cleaning car, thanks for all the info,
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sparky, we had the CMX as well. fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16261 Mike
@sparky107107
8 жыл бұрын
you deal with all N scale stuff from your store? don't you? so I didn't even think of checking your shop for HO scale, sorry,
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Yep we are only N Scale. Thanks , Mike
@ZanesTrains1972
7 жыл бұрын
Mike Fifer I thought you were only n scale. Now I know for a fact thanks dave for bringing it up thanks mike for the reply and video.
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mike & Robin
@glenwilliams1888
8 жыл бұрын
Good info Mike as usual
@mikefifer6111
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Glen , Mike
@markhayes6407
8 жыл бұрын
Not all metal wheels will fit on all trucks. i agree that if they come with them leave them on but plastic is definitely the way to go Most plastic wheels fit most cars. especially microtrains. thanks for all the great cleaning tips.
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
When replacing wheel sets , plastic or metal, you need to know the actual axle length of the original set to get the proper fit. Mike
@markhayes6407
8 жыл бұрын
That has stopped me from replacing some as I feel they may run smoother with the exception of microtrains that always runs great right out of the box. I must purchase a micrometer to register the axle sizes.
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Try Harbor Freight. Mike
@scotthayes5933
4 жыл бұрын
What would really be effective is to have the CMX car and the Tomix car work in concert. The Tomix car would vacuum up the loose debris while the CMX car would clean the rails.
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
We use that method at our club.
@elleryparsons2433
Жыл бұрын
I Would Love To get that For N Scale And Ho.
@MrRenoman2011
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks very good video
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Ron , Mike
@MichaelDouglasSkewes
5 жыл бұрын
Very good!
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@ouachitariverrat
7 жыл бұрын
I have a n scale dc set. can I hook up a dc power pack to ez track and run my dc trains?
@N-Scale
7 жыл бұрын
Yes you can. Thanks , Mike
@scotthayes5933
4 жыл бұрын
I've had to replace wheels on rolling stock before, now I have some cars with both metal and plastic wheels.
@tyhik9338
5 жыл бұрын
What about getting rid of rust and scratches on the trains
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
Are you talking about Track or train it's self?
@tyhik9338
5 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale trains
@N-Scale
5 жыл бұрын
@@tyhik9338 I have no clue but they should be stored in a place they will not rust and I am not sure what would be rusty on them.
@scotthayes5933
4 жыл бұрын
What would be cool is to run the CMX car and the Tomix car in concert. The Tomix car would vacuum up loose stuff and the CMX car would clean the track with the alcohol. The Tomix car would have to go in the lead with the CMX car behind.
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
Many have done that and we do it at our club before the state fair
@scotthayes5933
4 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale When you can trying making a video of the Tomix car and the CMX car running in concert as a full track cleaning train. That would like awesome!
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
@@scotthayes5933 I may do that at some point. Thanks , Mike
@scotthayes5933
4 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale I have a Tomix car that I got from Amazon and have uploaded a video of it on a shakedown run, you should check it out. I don't have a CMX car though, Amazon had them at one time but they're no longer in stock.
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
@@scotthayes5933 We have them in our shop and I did check out your video. Mike
@scotthayes5933
4 жыл бұрын
The CMS car looks like a tank car that the cleaning fluid goes in.
@N-Scale
4 жыл бұрын
Yes we use alcohol
@jrdrager
8 жыл бұрын
you should do a video timelapse of you using your cmx and your tomix at the same time
@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479
8 жыл бұрын
I suppose I could have but it is pretty unexciting. Thanks for taking a look, Mike
@jrdrager
8 жыл бұрын
+N Scale Model Trains How To Channel that or just cut to some film of it going by while you talk about it like you were doing with the coal drag in the background just to give us viewers something else to look at and break from looking at the same stuff the while video... just some constructive criticism to help with the video editing
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Noted brother, Thanks , Mike
@elleryparsons5766
6 жыл бұрын
To me it sounds funny I take the track apart sand paper every piece of track asemble the the tracks good to go.
@N-Scale
6 жыл бұрын
Never use sand paper. It is way to harsh in most cases. Thanks , Mike
@kc2tbag
Ай бұрын
Crc 2-26?
@N-Scale
Ай бұрын
I do not use it.
@tankscrittersandurbanhomes5579
2 жыл бұрын
I simply can't justify $150-$200 for a track cleaner car. I've created the same thing for about $30. 2 trucks, a syringe for children's medicine, 2 large nuts, 2 click style pen springs 2 nails and a pad. Use your imagination on getting it put together and getting the alcohol to drip. We all just watched how the cmx works.
@CSXrailfan814
6 жыл бұрын
I use all metal on pasenger and plastic on frght some metal.
@N-Scale
6 жыл бұрын
I like that idea. Mike
@elleryparsons5766
3 жыл бұрын
Different Strokes, Different Folks.
@ZanesTrains1972
8 жыл бұрын
Slot car trains cleaning lol
@N-Scale
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@billzamminer2547
6 жыл бұрын
why don't you glue then toghter
@N-Scale
6 жыл бұрын
Glue what together??
@larrybaughman618
8 ай бұрын
🤠🖐🚂
@markhayes6407
7 жыл бұрын
unit weighs one pound according to manufacturer.
@Ramirez241
2 жыл бұрын
item# for Trix wheel brush ? Item 66623 shows N or Z scale
Пікірлер: 151