Track Cleaning Car:
The idea is to make an abrasive pad, which will fit under a boxcar. The backing plate is made from flat steel stock of sufficient weight to slide over the track removing any oxidization or residue that builds up on the rails. The plate is attached to the boxcar by four vertical "pins" allowing the cleaning pad to "float" up and down due to possible track variations.
All you will need is a boxcar and a few parts from the local hardware store. This project is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
Material:
1 x 24" length of 1-1/2" x 1/4" flat steel stock
4 x 3" x 1/4 / 20 Zinc plated bolts
4 x 1/2" x 1/4 / 20 Zinc plated bolts
4 x 1/4 / 20 Wing nuts
4 x Zinc plated flat washers
3" x 7-1/2" piece of floor tile
1 x Packet 150 grit, finish coat, dry wall sanding screen .
Cut the 1/4" x 1-1/2" steel bar in to two pieces each 7-1/2" in length. Cut another three each 3" in length.
Drill and tap 6 x 1/4 / 20 threaded holes as indicated in positions 'A'.
Drill 5/16" holes in positions 'B' Both in the 3" steel cross plates and the floor of the boxcar.
It is preferred to partially assemble the base plate by screwing the center 3" cross plate into position and using the assembly as a template to locate the holes in the floor of the boxcar.
Note the underside of the box car to ensure the 3" bolts ("pins") will clear any obstructions in the form of cross bars, trusses, tool boxes and the like.
Undercoat and paint the steel to inhibit rust and provide a less conspicuous object under the boxcar. Cut the heads off the 3" bolts, install wing nuts and plate washers. A dab of paint or Loctite on the threads will reduce the possibility of the pins coming out due to vibration. Make sure the threads do not protrude through the bottom of the base plate.
Glue a piece of vinyl floor tile or 1/8" thick plastic to the base. This is to prevent a short circuit of the track occurring in the event that the drywall pad wears out. The two 3" end plates act as clamps for the drywall sanding sheets. Some trimming may be required.
Notes:
The original boxcar was taken from an Aristo-Craft Christmas train and repainted boxcar brown. In addition, not only to improve tracking and running performance, it has always been considered good policy to change the plastic wheels to the all-metal wheel sets.
It should also be noted that the original steel plate was 8" long and it may be found the flat steel stock is only available in 48" lengths. For this reason the design was reduced to 7-1/2" in length. This will allow for the manufacture of two complete cleaning pads. One you can then sell to a friend!
When drilling the holes for this particular make of boxcar make sure one set of holes are forward of the vacuum tank. The pad will not centered but will not effect the function.
Norman Allum - 3/13/09
JSE Designs, LLC