12V train dirty and pitted contacts

[BrJ]

Hi all

my 12v TRAIN from the early 80's still runs well but the spring loaded power pick ups are very dirty and pitted. I sand them with fine sandpaper which is ok but is there any better way to clean them? 'cause they are spring loaded you can't put to much pressure on them, they recess into the body.

any ideas would be appreciated

 

[Andy Glascott]

Methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol will both do a good job, just put some on cotton wool and clean away. 

[BrJ]

various solvents work for the dirt (although I prefer fine sand paper myself as there are no fumes).

its more for the pitting of the contacts. short of removing them and machining them clean I can't see how to fix the issue.

 

[patje]

Hey
I use cotton wool and rubbing alcohol
have the best result with that ..

disinfectant alcohol evaporates and you can easily clean the copper elements of the engine

I certainly do not use sandpaper

it greatly wastes your copper and

thus hampering the contact between the motor and power track

 

Edited June 23, 2018 by patje