Martin Track Sweeper car

Earl Martin
4019 Pine Cabin Way
Roseville CA 95747
Prices: see text

Unit designed to remove leaves, twigs, small rocks, and similar debris from gauge-1 track; drop-center flatcar with motor and brush at one end and battery in the center; must be pushed by a locomotive; battery-powered onboard brush; rechargeable sealed, lead-acid battery included; optional wooden cab available to cover battery; freelance, utilitarian design; constructed primarily of wood, with plastic trucks and wheelsets; choice of rear coupler; battery charger included
Pros: Efficiently removes leaves, small rocks, twigs, and similar debris from track; optional operator’s cab improves appearance and offers opportunities for individualizing the car; appears to be soundly constructed and well crafted; low center of gravity with adequate weight to stay on track; easy to use
Cons: Potential hazard from flying debris

The Martin Track Sweeper Car can be a useful tool for garden railroaders who need a method of cleaning debris from their tracks. This is a freelance car in design and is utilitarian. However, the optional operator’s cab gives the purchaser a chance to add interesting details. The car and cab are finished in flat gray primer. The motor and brush assembly is fabricated from acrylic sheet and uses oilless bearings. MDC black-plastic archbar trucks and wheelsets are used under the car.

The drop-center car uses the onboard battery as ballast to lower its center of gravity and provide power to operate the shrouded brush at the head end. The battery is a 6V DC, four-amp-hour, sealed lead-acid type and is supplied with a charger. The manufacturer strongly recommends that eye protection be worn and that children be kept away from the area when the car is in operation.

I tested the car with a variety of winter debris on my railway’s yard area, and was pleased with its ability to clear leaves, small rocks and gravel, twigs, and excess ballast from between the rails. Some larger pieces and items wedged between the ties still required a bit of handwork.

Since my own railway has few overhanging trees, leaves are generally not a problem; however, I sense the unit would be useful for railways in forested sites. It seems to be effective in clearing flangeways on turnouts and on guard rails on bridges.

The car measures about 161/2″ in length x 31/4″ wide and requires around 51/2″ clearance at the brush area. With the cab installed, it is 6″ high. The brush is 3″ in diameter and some 4″ in length.
An instruction sheet provides details on installing and charging the battery, maintenance, car design, and safety. The brush is turned on or off by means of a toggle switch on the left side near the motor. A plastic shroud shields the motor and helps to propel flying debris ahead of the car.

The Martin Track Sweeper Car is being offered at an introductory price of $334 plus shipping and handling. A version with a replaceable, nonabrasive rail cleaner is also available at $349. The operator’s cab is $50 extra.