Glass-fibre pencils?
#1
Several times, I've read that glass-fibre pencils are excellent tools for cleaning track. Most (or all?) of the time, I've only seen this in British publications, such as a special issue of Model Rail that I've been reading where this tool was recommended again.

Yet, whenever I google "glass-fibre pencil", all the websites that come are mainly UK sites. Just curious if any on my North American colleagues have heard of this tool or if they've used it ... perhaps it is called something else over here? Here's a link to one shop that sells them: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibreglass-pencil-kr61r">http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibr ... ncil-kr61r</a><!-- m -->

They don't cost much so I'm thinking of ordering one directly from the UK. Thanks for any feedback!
Rob
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#2
Rob - be careful of any bits that shed-off in use - they are exactly what they say = glass-fibres= and are not good stuck in skin or breathed in! Treat with care
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#3
shortliner Wrote:Rob - be careful of any bits that shed-off in use - they are exactly what they say = glass-fibres= and are not good stuck in skin or breathed in! Treat with care

Thanks. That makes sense -- good point!
Rob
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#4
The descriptions I've read say they are good for scratching things up. Not sure if I'd want to use that on track...

Here's a link for a "Canadian" supplier: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.ca/SE-7616SB-Fiberglass-Scratch-Brush/dp/B003NHDITW">http://www.amazon.ca/SE-7616SB-Fibergla ... B003NHDITW</a><!-- m -->

Funnily enough, I used the American spelling (fiber) in my search. Wink

Andrew
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#5
I bought one those,in Andrews post, from Micro-Mark. I wouldn't use it on my track for exactly the reason Shortliner mentions, however they are excellent for gently rubbing down paint or decals when weathering rolling-stock or buildings...and for cleaning paint off of wheel treads and axle points. Well worth having in your toolbox.
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#6
Rob
I have one; I've had it for decades and I'm still on my original fill. I use it when I have a stubborn lump on something. Lately I seem to have used it on items that have had batteries leak in them. Also on metal items to finish the surface before painting, especially cast kits.
The local MicroMart dealer usually has them. Lee Valley might also. MRI used to stock them.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
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#7
Oh....and they work great scuffing and putting some tooth on truck sideframes so they accept painting really well.
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#8
They are some kind of eraser too. You get them also in artist shops specialized on all kind of painting/drawing.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de...dierer.jpg
Reinhard
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#9
BR60103 Wrote:Rob
I have one; I've had it for decades and I'm still on my original fill. I use it when I have a stubborn lump on something. Lately I seem to have used it on items that have had batteries leak in them. Also on metal items to finish the surface before painting, especially cast kits.
The local MicroMart dealer usually has them. Lee Valley might also. MRI used to stock them.

Thanks, David. So it sounds like they can be used for many purposes, especially cleaning up old flashlights! Are they good for cleaning grunge off old track, especially brass track? I think this is what some of those articles have mentioned. Rob
Rob
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#10
faraway Wrote:They are some kind of eraser too. You get them also in artist shops specialized on all kind of painting/drawing.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de...dierer.jpg

Thanks! I'll check those sources too.
Rob
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#11
MasonJar Wrote:The descriptions I've read say they are good for scratching things up. Not sure if I'd want to use that on track...

Here's a link for a "Canadian" supplier: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.ca/SE-7616SB-Fiberglass-Scratch-Brush/dp/B003NHDITW">http://www.amazon.ca/SE-7616SB-Fibergla ... B003NHDITW</a><!-- m -->

Funnily enough, I used the American spelling (fiber) in my search. Wink

Andrew

Thanks, Andrew -- that spelling glitch is probably why I wasn't able to find any Cdn/American suppliers. I should have realized that! I'm curious about this tool as I've heard it recommended several times, yet it does sound a little "harsh".
Rob
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#12
As Shortliner said, brilliant for splinters in the fingers. For cleaning track I find IPA does the business best.
It's a good day when you wake up in the morning. It's not your problem if you don't.
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#13
Catweasel Wrote:....For cleaning track I find IPA does the business best.

Mmmmm....beer! Cheers

Wayne
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