Bob, Before my S scale experience, I was involved with an HO club. One of our "rules" which developed early was that all equipment on the layout had to have metal wheels. We found that plastic wheels were the biggest culprit in dirtying the track. This continued to be a problem even with a mix of metal and plastic wheels. Using all metal wheels on all equipment practically eliminated dirt build-up on wheels and track.
I attribute this to the likelihood that there is a static electric charge build up with plastic wheels. The static charge actually attracts small dirt particles from the roadbed itself, combining them with the small amount of oil on the rail, to produce the gunk that builds up on the wheels. This gunk, once attracted by the plastic wheels, then spreads to the track, where it can also be picked up by the metal wheels due to its stickiness. Our experience was that using all metal wheels, with NO plastic wheels allowed, practically eliminated all wheel and rail dirt build-up. It did not take many plastic wheels to foul up the works. Ken Hough may have further to say on the subject if he is tuned in. Darrell Smith (ex PCMRRC member) now modeling the Bellaire Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad (narrow gauge) in the year 1885, along with it's connections to the Baltimore & Ohio, and the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroads --- In [email protected], Bob Werre <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > My layout, will be on tour on the evening of Dec 5th and the afternoon of the 6th. > To that end, last night after the pumpkin pie, I started my annual wheel > cleaning ceremony. > I've come to the conclusion that the wheels that seem > to stay the cleanest are the silver plated wheels, followed by certain > recent SHS wheel sets > > Although I'm no expert, I would assume the plating or glossy surface is > the help here. > --why is the dirt on > wheels black? > put your minds to this one! > > Bob Werre > BobWphoto.com > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
