Track Cleaning Pads How and what you need to make them. By: Roger von SeeburgArizona Division Meet - Phoenix, AZMarch 7, 2009

Track Cleaning Pads Why do I need Track Cleaning Pads? Clean Track is critical for good operation regardless of your power source (DC or DCC). Maintaining Clean Track during an extended operating session is critical for your enjoyment. Both of the above stated critical requirements can be met with track cleaning pads. Place one car with an installed track cleaning pad in each consist operating on the layout. You will be surprised at how clean the track remains. Roger von SeeburgArizona Division Meet - Phoenix, AZ March 7, 2009

Track Cleaning Pads What is needed? NailsWeight Cleaning Pad Rough Side Cleaning Pad Smooth Side Retainers Roger von SeeburgArizona Division Meet, Phoenix, AZMarch 7, 2009

Track Cleaning Pads Specifications - For HO Scale Center Line CCD A B Dimension 40 ft. Car 60 ft. Car 36 ft. Car A {Width} 1 1/8 1 1/8 1 1/8 B {Length} 2 1/4 2 1/2 1 15/16 C {Nail Hole} Adjust to conditions on the underside D {Between Nail Holes} Adjust to conditions on the underside Center Line 9/16 from long side in all cases Track Cleaning Pads Nail Size: 3d 1 - 1/4 Nail Type: Bright Box Clearance Drill for Nail Shaft - 5/64 Drill to Counter Sink the Nail Head - 7/32 Epoxy the nails into place. Counter sink drilling should be done from the rough side of the masonite pad. Taper the leading and trailing ends of the pad. A weight (approx..5 oz) will need to be glued (epoxy) to the top of the masonite pad. Roger von SeeburgArizona Divinsion Meet, Phoenix, AZ March 7, 2009 Note: HO track is 3/4 wide - outside measurement.

Track Cleaning Pads Construction Notes [Select a box car or a refrigerator car to become a track cleaning car.] 1.Select a masonite pad based on the length of the car you intend to make one of your track cleaning cars. 2.Make sure that the masonite pad will fit between the trucks on the car without imparing the ability of the trucks to turn in curves. If the pad is too long, either select a shorter pad or cut the one you are working with. 3.Draw the centerline on the smooth surface of the masonite pad. Determine the spacing for the nails by inspecting the underside of the car and noting where you will not have to drill through more than the flooring of the car. (Avoid drilling through bracing.) Also note any under car appliances that might dictate the height of the weight that can be used. 4.Locate the spots for the nail holes and drill the holes into the masonite pad, from the smooth side of the masonite pad. 5.Turn the masonite pad over and make the counter sink drill. Test to make sure that the nail head is below the surface of the masonite pad. If not, drill a bit more ;until it is below the surface. Epoxy the nails into the masonite pad and let set. Then glue the selected weight to the top side (smooth side) of the masonite pad. 6.Taper the leading and trailing edges of the masonite pad to that it does not catch on uncoupling ramps, turnout frogs or grade crossings, etc. Use sandpaper or a file and taper the rough side of the pad. 7.Mark the locations on the underside of the car to drill the nail holes into the car floor. Then drill the two holes. 8.Test fit the completed masonite pad into the chosen car. If it fits, place one piece of wire insulation over each nail to prevent the cleaning pad from falling out of the car when you pick the car up. 9.Enjoy long runs without having to frequently clean your locomotive wheels! Roger von Seeburg Arizona Division Meet, Phoenix, AZ March 7, 2009

Track Cleaning Pads Nails Note Countersink Weight Retainers Roger von SeeburgArizona Division Meet, Phoenix, AZMarch 7, 2009

Track Cleaning Pads Finished pad installed - before body is replaced. Note retainers. Car with cleaning pad. This pad has been cleaned with a paper towel or toothbrush and Denatured Alcohol. Note the dirt that is picked up in the most recent run. Roger von SeeburgArizona Division Meet, Phoenix, AZ March 7, 2009

Track Cleaning Pads That is it. I hope you enjoyed this! If you would like a copy of this PowerPoint presentation - send me an at: I will send you a copy. Roger von SeeburgArizona Division Meet, Phoenix, AZ March 7, 2009