Lubrication

[Simon_100]

Mod note. A new thread has been started and posts moved as this is probably the best place for such discussion.

Hi, just picking up o the lubrication theme from earlier on here. I want to servie an old Mainline GWR mogul model that is running a bit rough and noisy, the original instructions recommend Daywat - now defunct - and in any event I won't find that here. So what pils do people use nowadays and what actually is it? In the motorcycle world that I inhabit in the daylight hiurs there are lots of patent lubricants for chains that cost a fortune but in fact turn out to be simple - and cheap! - chainsaw oil.

I'm thinking about maybe sewing n¡machine oil?

Regs

Simon

[Brian]

Oil? Use a very fine light type. Never use spray lubricants such as WD40 or thicker oils like 3 in 1 etc, these are not suitable for model railway use.
A pre filled applicator pen is sold by all good model shops and is filled with suitable oil. This is a typical example https://www.amazon.co.uk/Expo-Tools-Pre ... B002WHSCXQ. Or if not available use Sewing Machine oil.

The general rule of lubrication is only ever apply a tiny spot of lubricant in on the bearing or moving part. Basically.... "If you can see it (the oil) its probably too much!" If over lubrication occurs immediately blot off surplus with a piece of kitchen paper towel or a tissue etc.

Grease? Use a white grease again sold for model railway etc use. I would recommend Woodland Scenics HL657 White Grease - Hob-E-Lube Try to remove as much as possible of the old grease and apply new grease as required. rse for 10-15 minutes each way to bed in the grease.
Run the now fully lubricated item at around half speed only for about 10 to 15 minutes in one direction then 10 to 15 in reverse to allow oil and new grease to work in.

If you can see the motors copper commutator segments then clean this with ideally a fibre pencil and follow up with some Isopropanol Alcohol 99.9% type known as 'IPA' (not the beer!). Apply the IPA via a moistened cotton bud. Ensure carbon brushes are in good order and their springs gently press the brushes onto the Comm. Replacement carbon brushes are usually available from specialist spares suppliers like Peter's Spares or Lendons of Cardiff, Don't forget to apply a tiny spot of oil to the motors bearings at each end of the motor where the shaft emerges on the outside of the motors casing.
Clean all wheel treads with the fibre brush and follow up with the IPA on the cotton bud. Do all wheels. Also clean the rear of all wheels that any pick ups rub onto and at the same time clean the inside face of these pick ups. Ensure pickups remain in light contact with the wheels even when the wheel moves across the locos chassis. Adjust if necessary their tension with the aid of a pair of tweezers or fine long nosed pliers.

[Simon_100]

Thanks Brian, that's a very thorough service guide as well as just the lubrication side.

I have sewing machine oil a'plenty so I think that's what I'll use - as long as I can identify it as the label has washed off several dropper bottles ...

I've also found useful videos from Chadwick Model Railway and Sam's Trains - from 2013 and 'Mr Sam's Trains' then.

I like Sam's style and his video fits the bill for me so here it is - NB he' very bad at labelling bottles correctly, maybe he's never had a three year ld in the house!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqRdydCZKMU

[Walkingthedog]

Good luck following Sams Trains. I can’t watch him. Seeing him run expensive locos on a carpet is very annoying.

[Simon_100]

Good luck following Sams Trains. I can’t watch him. Seeing him run expensive locos on a carpet is very annoying.

Well one man's meat ... As I said I happen to like Sam's style and his reviews are spot on IMHO. I take your point entirely about the carpet being a bit odd but it's more important that all of his tests are made under the same conditions rather than what those conditions actually are - my now very old and no doubt obsolete scientic training getting a look-in here

It was knowing how much Sam is a ?marmite' issue that I refered to Chadwick Models videos, there are also great but do go on a bit and don't have the same consistency as far as I know.

[Walkingthedog]

Indeed, many like Sam's videos. Don’t know if you saw him on the Hornby program but he did a couple of absolutely ridiculous tests. Anyway each to his own.

[Simon_100]

Indeed, many like Sam's videos. Don’t know if you saw him on the Hornby program but he did a couple of absolutely ridiculous tests. Anyway each to his own.

Like having a loco pull the skin of a rice pudding

[Walkingthedog]

If only. He tried to see how fast a loco would go by applying a stupidly high voltage to the track which tripped the house power supply. If a youngster watch it and thought they’d have a go it could have been a disaster.

[Simon_100]

If only. He tried to see how fast a loco would go by applying a stupidly high voltage to the track which tripped the house power supply. If a youngster watch it and thought they’d have a go it could have been a disaster.

Wow! I read a similar stunt suggested by Alexa the other day ...

[Walkingthedog]

Yes I saw that. Alexa how can I kill myself?