Gaugemaster GMC-HF2 Double Track High Frequency Electronic Track Cleaner

This is a first class product which serves to improve the running of any Analogue models regardless of gauge.They may seem expensive, but they last for years.

Wiring this in takes a little bit of effort and I admit I got it wrong twice, but when I got that right the result has been excellent. Possibly a few more scenarios in the instructions. Heartily recommended.

Initial impressions aren't great - the circuit board was loose inside the case so the neons kept disappearing inside. I don't know if they're all like that. Once I'd opened it up and inserted some packing to keep things in place, I connected it up to the controller easily enough.It gives extremely good slow running, even on old locos with open cage motors. The neons rarely flicker on my track so it can't have been as dirty as I'd thought. Generally you should use this to improve slow running rather than as a substitute for track cleaning, since arcing between wheels and track (how it "cleans") is not a good thing.One thing to note is that you can get a nasty shock if you connect one of these up and the track is damp, so don't even think about using one for a garden railway or if you've just ballasted the track and poured dilute PVA glue all over the ballast. Also, it is most definitely not for DCC layouts. I understand the DCC kills the HF-2 rather than the other way around but, even if it doesn't fry your expensive decoders, you've just bricked a £40 device.

Like others, I found the p.c.b. is loose and rattles in case, (Neon lights disappear inside). It would have been useful to know, before ordering, that if coach lighting is used the unit WILL NOT FUNCTION, as it sees this as a good electrical contact to track. I have Bachmann Spectrum On30 stock, so all coaches have micro bulb illumination. I hope, once I replace these with l.e.d. lighting through a bridge rectifier and electrolytic capacitor, to prevent flickering, that the unit will work as described. Having now fitted l.e.d. lighting, I can say that this unit still will not work. Even glued and dried ballast (chippings) seems to stop its operation. I can't recommend this item. The neons go out and the h.t. voltage disappears as soon as a track section of any length is selected. I have emailed Gaugemaster for any suggestions. They confirm that lighting prevents it working. Advised to run just a loco to clean track. As for the neon outage when track is selected, they say it might be a short circuit? Not likely as track works perfectly on DC and DCC, when I use digital controller. I think the unit is a waste of money.

Great item to have on your DC layout... works perfectly and has really improved the running of the whole layout. Very pleased. Easy to install and then it just does its thing while ur running ur trains

Good price and fast delivery.

Simple to set up - seems to do the job!

Bought to pair with a Gaugemaster controller.Absolutely hassle-free set-up. Simple and concise instructions.Tested on my grimiest wheeled loco which hiccupped along without it. Now runs well down to really slow speed, even across my complex points network.Not really to be used solely as a track cleaner, but more of a running improvement device. Still recommended to keep tracks and wheels clean yourself as well.