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Graphite Sticks

Discussion in 'Hints & Tips' started by Ron, Jan 3, 2017.

  1. Jan 3, 2017 #1
    Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    I remember reading about these last year and an artist friend of mine got me one over holiday.Has anybody used one and what sort of results or am I the first??

    [​IMG]

    Cheers
    Ron
     
  2. Jan 3, 2017 #2
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    Is this to improve running Ron?

    Ian vt
     
  3. Jan 3, 2017 #3
    Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    Yes Ian, it leaves a thin coating on the rail that fills in any defects and keeps the current constant :)
     
  4. Jan 3, 2017 #4
    Sparky

    Sparky Full Member

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    I use one on blossom hill Ron. After rubbing the rails with the blunt end of the stuck,i find perfect contact with the wheels ,and one good coating lasts months without any problems .
     
  5. Jan 3, 2017 #5
    Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    Thanks, I'll give it a try! :)
     
  6. Jan 3, 2017 #6
    Sandbar

    Sandbar Full Member

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    Thanks for that Ron. I have also seen this on the Thunder Mesa Blog

    http://thundermesaminingco.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/a-graphite-solution-for-better.html

    Dave actually mixes the graphite with isopropyl alcohol ( I use metholated spirits) and paint a small amount on the track. The blog is well worth a visit.

    Cheers from Andrew
    Sandbar & Mudcrab Railway
     
  7. Jan 3, 2017 #7
    ed

    ed Full Member

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    Yup.

    [​IMG]

    Certainly helps when using Insulfrog points.

    Ed
     
  8. Jan 3, 2017 #8
    Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    Thanks Andrew, that's an interesting read! I've just been rubbing the rail tops with the graphite 'stick' :)
     
  9. Jan 3, 2017 #9
    chiefnerd

    chiefnerd Full Member

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    Hi Ron
    We use them on Gresleys Run. All newly laid track is cleaned and then the graphite is run over it. Dramatically cuts the cleaning required.
    Please make sure you get an artists graphite though. We get ours at Office Works. Lead pencils and the like while they may contain graphite also can contain other things like clay. Not good for clean running.
    Andrew
     
  10. Jan 4, 2017 #10
    Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    Hi Andrew, yes there is a photo of the stick at the top of the thread although it's a 2B I will try and get a 4B if possible.:)
    Ron
     
  11. Jan 4, 2017 #11
    Graeme

    Graeme Full Member

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    As an alternative to graphite I used WAHL clipper oil for years on my old HO layouts. I was living in tropical Nth Queensland and didn't clean my track for weeks at a time, when cleaning was required I just wiped with methylated spirit(de natured alcohol) and re applied the oil.
    A few drops on the rail head around the layout and then ran a train to spread it, it stopped oxidation and I still used it when I moved south out of the tropics.
    A link to Atlas rail forum talking about it.
    http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=68082
     
  12. Jan 4, 2017 #12
    Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    That's an interesting read, it shouldn't work but obviously it does! So far the Graphite stick seems to be working, time will tell! :)
     

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