As I've mentioned before, I had an R17 set that blew up. Found out its cheaper to just replace the set. While Im doing that however, I decided to strip the chassis of parts (Motors, etc) and use it as a dummy car. I can get a work car shell for it, so I was thinking of using the frame for a track cleaning car. How exactly would I go about this? Either I can scratch build one, or use a manufactured cars components. this way, I'd have a track cleaner that blended in with the scenery...

Good idea ... A subway specific track cleaner would be unique. One of the posters had made a track cleaning car and posted the plans. Do a "FIND" and you will likely locate it. I made one years ago, using a damaged gondola. I mounted a metal electrical box cover plate under the gondola, floating it with two long bolts up through the gondola floor. A couple of wing nuts on the top and the basic mechanism is there. I then hot glued a 3/8" thick,dense felt pad onto the box cover. As the car is pulled the thick pad wipes the track. There is enough weight on the pad to do a good job. I later made a second cleaning pad using a 3M pad to handle tougher cleaning jobs. If I ever figure out how to post pics I'll take a picture and post it.

Great idea and good luck.
Jim


Here's link to the forum post.

http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve...=391105081#391105081

In the one I made i didn't use the two blocks or springs. I found the metal box cover approx 1 3/4 in X 3 3/4 is just right size. I toyed with the springs but found out that the weight of the box cover and bolts gave enough pressure and was still able to "float" over track joints and switches. Good luck

Fill an old Lionel gondola with plaster.
Attach a scotch brite to the bottom using velcro.





http://www.kodakgallery.com/sirt

Steve P.
SIRT

maybe I can do that with the old R17 chassis. I just wanted to be able to make use of what is now essentially a shell and some scrap. Once I pull the moters and electraonics Im going to have just the shell and the floor/chassis. I'll let you guys know how it works out...

I finally got all the dead electronics off the chassis. its just the trucks and the metal frame now. going to look for those pads, also try to study some of the pics I've seen of these type of cars. theres a link Ive studied on here, and I think I can duplicate the gondola that SIRT posted, but I will use an R17 work car shell. soon as I can get pics I will.