This new S gauge rail cleaner has such a simple design you wonder why someone didn't think of it sooner. Basically, it is a simple brass body, fitted with American Models' hi-rail couplers and trucks, with a cut-out center. A heavy brass cylinder fits into the hole, wrapped with a Handi-Wipe or similar material and saturated with cleaning fluid. As the car travels around the tracks, the cylinder turns, but with some resistance. This "limited slip" feature is what Centerline claims makes the car unique. (They have patented it.)

Since the rail cleaner has sprung trucks, the cylinder stays in contact with the wheels at all times¹. Securing the cloth around the cylinder with a thread is a good idea, because letting bare brass come in contact with your tracks is not a good idea. The Handi-Wipe comes unraveled pretty fast if you place the cylinder incorrectly.

We found the rail cleaner to perform just as the manufacturer claimed it would, except that it did deposit dirt back on the tracks if you let it go around too many times without changing the cloth². You will probably have to experiment a little to get the car to perform optimally. An added benefit is that the residual cleaning fluid left on the tracks will clean the wheels of any cars and locomotives that follow.
-- Susan O'Brien