I am getting some help in that department from a critter that has just joined my collection of locos. I'm a steam fan but I can't resist small diesels and this is a four-wheeled German shunter (switcher) by Arnold. I have run this little guy slowly all over my layout observing every wobble, sway and hesitation. Those four wheels reveal every fault in my track laying. Each place has received the appropriate attention: the check with the NMRA gauge, a spot of solder here, a little filing there, a spike or two to move the track a little, anywhere I can hear a click as the critter moves gets checked out. Once your most picky loco runs smoothly everything else will just glide.

I noticed that the last time that I wrote for the Rusty Spike, I was advocating Goo Gone as a track cleaner. I still like it for cleaning wheels but have had much smoother operation since I have been using Wahl Clipper Oil on the track. You can find it on the display at any store that sells hair clippers for people or pets. I dampen a lint free rag with it and wipe it on to the rail surface. It does not seem to make the wheels slip and it is very conductive. I also use it to generously lubricate my locos, if some drips on the track all the better! Yes, we are told not to over lubricate, but when the works get cruddy, I blast out the crud with Archer tuner cleaner from Radio Shack and start over. Some of my locos are over 25 years old and respond well to this tough love approach.

Just one more suggestion. Lately, I have been keeping a small spiral notebook by my toolkit. As I am operating, I jot down anything I notice that needs attention or can be improved. This soon generates a back shop list, jobs for the track gang, repairs for structures, landscape work, a list of fun projects. As problems are fixed and checked off list, I get a feeling of satisfaction and the railroad runs smoother!

Trevor Jones

Rusty Spike Vol 34 #4 Sept-Oct 2004