Cleaning Monorail Switches

[dnguyen722]

Hi all, I just picked up my first monorail set. The two switches I received were very stiff and only work if I manually move the switch. Does anyone have a good method of cleaning or lubricating them?

[MojoLego]

When I picked up my monorail set a few years ago, the switches were gummed up. One could move by hand, one was completely stuck. I used a combination of CRC QD electronic cleaner and then some Dupont teflon silicone lubricant. The CRC cleaner did not damage the plastic in any way, at least from what I can see (I can't speak for the parts inside the switch). The switches now move very smoothly and with little effort. That said, a small amount of the lubricant is still in the switch and squeezes out every now and then. I just wipe it off.

For both operation and storage, I make sure that the tracks and switches don't get dust or dirt on them. Keeping the switch clean is important to long-term operation.

[alainneke]

Try this document (http://www.brickish.org/members/files/whoward/MonorailSwitchAnatomy.doc)

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I've always used WD-40. It's petroleum based, very thin (not viscous), wipes off easy, cleans off residue from gum, other petroleum, or glues, can be washed off with mild soap and water, and has never damaged any of my bricks or rubber pieces. It shines them up if anything. It does have an odor, but IMO it's not unpleasant or very strong and a little can go a long way

Edited January 22, 2014 by LEGO Guy Bri

[dnguyen722]

Thanks for the replies all! Related question: Is there any purpose to the short curve tracks other than to connect them and make a long curve track?

When I picked up my monorail set a few years ago, the switches were gummed up. One could move by hand, one was completely stuck. I used a combination of CRC QD electronic cleaner and then some Dupont teflon silicone lubricant. The CRC cleaner did not damage the plastic in any way, at least from what I can see (I can't speak for the parts inside the switch). The switches now move very smoothly and with little effort. That said, a small amount of the lubricant is still in the switch and squeezes out every now and then. I just wipe it off.

For both operation and storage, I make sure that the tracks and switches don't get dust or dirt on them. Keeping the switch clean is important to long-term operation.

Do you just douse as much of the inside as you can with the lubricant and then rinse/wash it out?

[Galaxy Explorer]

I had a Classic Space Monorail MOC display set up last year at Brickworld, which used two of the switches. Halfway through the event, both of them froze up! The nice guy next to me suggested graphite powder- worked perfectly and the switches are still fine this day.

[MojoLego]

Do you just douse as much of the inside as you can with the lubricant and then rinse/wash it out?

I started with the cleaner, using small amounts. It evaporates on its own. I didn't wash the switches. The cleaner freed up the mechanism. Then I sprayed a small amount of lubricant into the openings. My main concern was making sure I was using chemicals that wouldn't react with the plastic and wouldn't end up gumming it up over the long term.

[Doom2099]

Thanks for all the advice on cleaning switches everyone. I've got a gummed up one that is still operational, but I don't know how long it will last.