Available for all Aztec track cleaning cars

The Cratex roller is made of a rubberized abrasive, the same material as a Bright Boy®.

You can run any combination of Cratex rollers (always run Cratex rollers without fluid) along with canvas rollers (either with or without fluid). Let us know what works best for you.

One of our N scale customers reported running a track cleaning train made up of The Eliminator (with a Cratex roller) at the front of his train. Next he used an original Track Star outfitted with a canvas roller with fluid on it. This was followed by another Track Star with a canvas roller running dry. He said his track had never been cleaner.

IMPORTANT: The Cratex roller is designed to be run “dry”. Do not use any chemicals such as Goo Gone, mineral spirits or lacquer thinner on the roller. If the Cratex roller is exposed to chemicals it may become damaged and have to be replaced.

CLEANING THE CRATEX ROLLER: When it becomes dirty the Cratex roller can be washed with a soft toothbrush using “409”, “Fantastic”, “Simple Green” or a similar product. Do not use hand dishwashing detergent or hand soap--these products may contain lanolin which will add unwanted oil to the Cratex. Rinse in hot water and let air dry. Note: Do not use a hair drier or put in an oven. After the roller has dried, reinstall it back into the car. Your Track Star is now ready again to use.

Scale Description Part Number Price
Z Cratex roller TS1118A $ 12.95 each
Nn3 Cratex roller TS1119A $ 12.95 each
N Cratex roller TS1120A $ 16.95 each
HOn3 Cratex roller TS1121A $ 19.95 each
HO Cratex roller (fits 1- and 2-roller HO 40' boxcar track cleaners only) TS1122A $ 19.95 each
HO Cratex roller (gondolas only) TS1122GA $ 19.95 each
HO Cratex roller (fits "Trolley Train") TS1122TTA $ 19.95 each
S & On30 Cratex roller TS1124A $ 22.95 each
O TWO RAIL Cratex roller TS1126A-2 $ 24.95 each
O THREE RAIL Cratex roller TS1126A-36 $ 24.95 each
G Cratex roller TS1128A $ 34.95 each

Available to fit most Aztec track cleaning cars

The Sidewinder is a canvas covered roller which can be run either "wet" (using whatever type of cleaning fluid you prefer) or "dry" (without any fluid). It is meant to be used as an alternative to the Cratex roller which comes standard in most Aztec track cleaners.

The N scale Sidewinder is made of solid brass (aluminum is used for all other scales) covered with canvas (artist’s painting canvas). The canvas is contact cemented on and will last for quite a long time. (Time will vary depending on the amount of usage, the type of fluid applied and track irregularities.) 10-packs of replacement roller covers are sold separately.

CLEANING THE SIDEWINDER ROLLER: The canvas roller can be washed in the same manner as the Cratex one. Use a soft tooth brush and warm soapy water, then rinse. Let the roller air dry overnight. Do not use a hair drier or put it in an oven.
REPLACING THE CANVAS: When the canvas needs to be replaced, put the roller in lacquer thinner or acetone. This loosens the cement so the canvas can be removed. Using one piece of the appropriate size replacement canvas, apply contact cement to the primed side of canvas. Apply contact cement to the roller. Wait for the cement to get tacky before applying canvas to roller (see diagram below). After the cement has set up, trim the canvas to size with sharp
scissors and a hobby knife. Use a Q-tip moistened in
lacquer thinner or acetone to remove excess cement from sides of roller.
Scale Description Part Number Price
N Sidewinder roller* TS1120B
$ 16.95 each
N 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1135
$ 6.95 each
HOn3 Sidewinder roller TS1121B $ 19.95 each
HOn3 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1136 $ 7.95 each
HO Sidewinder roller (boxcars only) TS1122B $ 19.95 each
HO Sidewinder roller (gondolas only) TS1122GB $ 19.95 each
HO 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1136 $ 7.95 each
Sn3 Sidewinder roller TS1123B $ 19.95 each
Sn3 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1136 $ 7.95 each
S / On30 Sidewinder roller TS1124B $ 22.95 each
S / On30 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1137 $ 8.95 each
O TWO RAIL Sidewinder roller TS1126B-2 $ 24.95 each
O THREE RAIL Sidewinder roller TS1126B-36 $ 24.95 each
O 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1138 $ 8.95 each
G Sidewinder roller TS1128B $ 28.95 each
G 10-pack replacement roller covers TS1140 $ 9.95 each
* The N scale Sidewinder roller will fit all Aztec N scale track cleaning cars EXCEPT TS1106 (MDC 36' box/reefer/cattle cars).

Available for most Aztec N and HO scale track cleaning cars

The Cobra is a savage serpent that seeks out dirty track and eats it clean. This roller was designed to use fluid but can also be run dry.

The HO Scale Cobra fits Aztec's 1- and 2-roller HO Scale 40 foot boxcar track cleaners. It is made of brass and wrapped with Handi Wipes®.

The N Scale Cobra fits most of Aztec's N Scale track cleaning cars. It is made of brass and wrapped with Handi Wipes®.

CLEANING THE COBRA ROLLER: The Handi Wipes roller can be washed by swishing it in warm, soapy water, then rinsing. The Cobra can be run immediately following cleaning.
REPLACING THE CLOTH (HO SCALE): Cut a new piece of Handi Wipes to 13/16" wide X 6" long. Insert one end of cloth strip in the roller slot and wrap snugly around roller. Use a machinist’s scale to push material into groove (see Figures 1 and 2). Stick a straight pin through the cloth to hold it in place. Tie the cloth with thread on each end and in the center. Remove pin and you are ready run.



REPLACING THE CLOTH (N SCALE): Cut a new piece of Handi Wipes to 19/32" wide by 11" long. Insert one end of cloth strip in the roller slot and wrap snugly. Use the dull side of an X-acto knife to push material into groove (see Figures 3 and 4). Stick a straight pin through the cloth to hold it in place. Tie the cloth with thread on each end. Remove pin and you are ready run.

NOTE: Cloth roller must be tied with mercerized cotton thread to operate properly. Do not use a rubber band to tie the roller.
Description Part Number Price
N scale Cobra roller* TS1120C $ 16.95 each
HO scale Cobra roller (boxcars only) TS1122C $ 19.95 each
HO scale Cobra roller (goldolas only) TS1122GC $ 19.95 each
* The N scale Cobra roller will fit all Aztec N scale track cleaning cars EXCEPT TS1106 (MDC 36' box/reefer/cattle cars).