Gary, I use Wahl clipper oil to. Like Ralph, I hesitate to reccomend it to you. But I will tell you it works wonders for my track. I said I clean my tracks if I don't run trains often, but all I do is dry wipe the rails just to get the dust off, less chance of it being picked up by the wheels.
I would run a test and see if it will helps.
Loren
Okay DocWayne, just what exactly is a Tomar Pick-up Shoe?
Here's a picture of one truck on that switcher. The pick-up shoe on the other truck works off the opposite rail.
Here's an older steamer that I'm going to be rebuilding. I added the pick-up shoes because the drivers are brass. The pick-up for the opposite rail will be on the tender trucks.
They're pretty visible here, but some black paint (and some improvements to the loco) should ensure that they're not too noticeable.
Wayne
So the pick-up shoes actually carry some of the weight of the loco? Does this explain why the switcher begin slipping going up the grade?
Do you have any Athearn diesels equipped with the shoes?
I'm not sure I need them, the MU set-up is working wonderfully, but another tidbit of knowledge never hurts.
If the Wahl clipper oil contains flux, I would expect at least a 3% improvement in conductivity.
I'm afraid to put the Wahl oil or anything else on the tracks. In my garage, this seems like an invitation for a dust-collecting, gooey mess.
Over the years I have heard of using the Wahl Oil, and everyone that has used it has had nothing but praise for the stuff, I still don't know where to buy it, I have looked at our local hardware store, and they don't carry it. Anyone have a website to order it from?
"KEEP ON TOOTIN"
Okay, all you folks who voted "seldom have problems" let's hear your story. Is your layout in a climate controlled area? Anyone have a garage layout?