What type of lubricant should be used on model trains?

What type of lubricant should be used on model trains?

Old style sewing machine oil and fishing reel oils are recommended by many old-school modellers. Alternatively, Gaugemaster’s oil is recommended. I’ve also had success using Woodland Scenics lubricant.

How do you clean an old model train?

Museums generally use an extremely mild (1 percent) solution of soap and water to clean artifacts. The same will work on models. Apply a mild soap wash with a cloth or towel that is slightly damp. Work slowly and cautiously until you find the pressure and moisture necessary to remove the dirt and only the dirt.

How do you lubricate a Bachmann locomotive?

Put a small amount of grease on the worm gear of a gear train. The rotation of the gears will distribute the grease to the spur gears. Bearings get a tiny drop of oil. A straight pin will help you transfer about the right amount.

Which is the best oil to lubricate your model train?

In closing, don’t use 3-in-1, WD40 or cooking oils. Use Gaugemaster’s lubrication fluid or Labelle oil and greases and your engines and rolling stock will run smoother, longer and more reliably. Get my recommended Labelle oil and greases. Get my recommended Gaugemaster’s lubricator.

Can you use grease on a model train?

But you can’t just use any oil or grease. The gears and cogs of N, OO and HO scale model trains are obviously much smaller than those in cars and other mechanical devices found in homes so normal oils won’t work and can even be harmful to the delicate plastics and paintwork of rolling stock.

What happens when you put lubricant on a locomotive?

It can cause the locomotive to lay a film of lubricant on the rails making the locomotive and others loose traction. It can make it slippery to handle and possible damage the paint work. It can make it easy for the mechanism to retain dirt and fluff, which will start to cause binding and over strain the motor.

What kind of repairs can you do on a locomotive?

As well as 3D printing model trains and building model railroads, I do a lot of repairs to locomotives for fellow modelers. These range from simple wire repairs up to total motor and chassis rebuilds or replacements.