Cool tools and supplies

[Papalangi]

Check out www.eastwoodco.com for some of the coolest restoration tools around.

For electrical contacts I use Deoxit from http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1982/.f?sc=2&category=188

I spread a bit on the rails of a N gauge train after a twenty year stint in the attic.  Before, it wouldn't run all the way 'round without stalling many times.  After I had to wipe the rails twice to get the black crud off and it ran like new.

I've fixed non working 120 volt light switches with just a quick squirt and some vigorous toggling.

Michael

[oscar]

I spread a bit on the rails of a N gauge train after a twenty year stint in the attic.  Before, it wouldn't run all the way 'round without stalling many times.  After I had to wipe the rails twice to get the black crud off and it ran like new.

I had always hoped to build something one day but the Benz addiction has taken over.  I can guarantee though that if I had a layout that after 5 years I'd need new track coz the old one would have been worn down with sandpaper. 

I'm going to look for that deoxit stuff next time I'm up the street.  For cleaning light bulb contacts etc, it's gotta be better than emery cloth.

[Papalangi]

Deoxit is WAY better than emery cloth.  We had a three phase motor starter that was losing 30-40 volts across each contact.  Conventional contact cleaner did nothing.  I hosed it down with Deoxit and banged on it for 30 seconds.  It went to zero volts and has been working ever since.

I've had the N gauge since I was 12, thats 35 years now.  I got it out of the attic to play with our 3 year old boy, Alex.  I didn't remember so many of the cars and engines being dismantled and left for scrap.  I must have been rather hard on my toys.  I hope the S gauge that I've had since I was 6 is in better shape but I'm not getting it down till the kid is a bit older.

Michael

[oscar]

All my gear has been HO.  A couple of years ago I sold most of the rolling stock and engines I've had since I was 7/8 yo but at the same time bought some new Aus gear which have stayed in a box since.  All the new products coming out of China are top quality and worth the money but yikes, it's an expensive hobby but I doubt I'll indulge again until I retire in 20+ years.