"ian field" wrote in message
...
Does anyone know the fancy/technical name for a model railway track
cleaner that's based on flyback pulses from a blocking oscillator to break
down oxide and crud on the rails?

Googling "model railway+track cleaner" produced a few examples of
commercial units but none were referred to by the technical name, I need
some schematic examples to base a similar gadget to clean switch contacts
in a 12V system that occasionally get corroded.

TIA.


Will this help you?
http://freespace.virgin.net/c.gardner/semg/relco.htm

also http://www.merg.org.uk/resources/faq.htm
Track cleaner A device for cleaning track so that dirt or other
deposits do not impede the flow of electric current. A number of methods
exist to accomplish this. MERG Technical Bulletin A4/1 features the Relco
Track Cleaner which superimposes a high frequency, high voltage signal over
the traction current. This burns through track deposits when traction is
interrupted. Mechanical abrasive rubber-type products are also available
such as the Peco PL41 Rail Cleaner and the MERG kit 83, PCB and Track
Cleaner. These must be rubbed over the track to clean it. A variety of
solvents applied with a clean cloth are also suitable as are a number of
wagon-mounted abrasive blocks. A popular MERG method is to polish the rail
tops with the rough surface of common hardboard.
July 2006