I have been running a small temporary indoor layout but it seems to get dirty extremely quick. After talking with a friend who has hardly ever cleaned an indoor layout (plastic LGB wheels no less), I’m beginning to think that it’s abnormal. I’m running an oval of a combination brass LGB straight with Aristo Curves. The primary loco is the ten wheeler with 2 passenger cars (all stock metal wheels). It runs every day for a minimum of 15 minutes to a half hour. After a couple of days, the engine startes sputtering on dirt spots, more frequently on the aristo curves. I use a scotch bright pad to clean the rail head and the engine runs smoothly again. But I am wonderering what’s causing the carbon build up so quickly? And do others have this power pickup problem with the ten wheeler? For reference, I have an Aristo 0-4-0 that runs on another loop of entirely LGB track and have yet to have an issue with power due to dirty track. Thanks for the advice.
Mike