Scenery on the layout is almost done, now I am building "main street".  Between kitbashing and kits I am almost done, I have everything I need except vehicles!  I've been into model railroading for 30 years plus, I am now into as much realism as I can get.  I'm looking for vehicles that look as good as the high quality locos and rolling stock on the market now.  Matchbox and Hotwheels no longer cut it!   Any suggestions?  Not breaking the bank helps, but I realize you get what you pay for....

Much of the lower level of my NNE Scenic V3 will make use of benchwork sections from V2.  However, one change I want to make is to remove the 2" rigid foam insulation that was glued to the 3/4" plywood of the sections, reducing the sections to 4.25" thickness (3.5" plywood frames plus 3/4" surface) instead of the 6.25" they had with the foam.  

In addition to reducing the thickness, I decided I don't want to use 2" foam anymore for a layout. But two issues do arise that got me thinking about creative solutions:

Hi All:

Some time back, I learned that you can use solvents to clean the rails and wheels of locos to improve electrical connections.  Initially, I used isopropal alchohol to clean things and it improved dramatically.  In forum discussions someone told isopropol alchohol is not good to use -- but that I should use a different solvent.  So I realize I may be setting off a firestorm, but I would really like to know what I should be using to clean and protect my rails

Thanks

TIM

It's another week . . . post 'em if you got 'em.

-Jack