Running in a Loco ?

[Paul60]

Now that I have my basic track laid and my loco running well, do I need to 'run it in' ?

 

I have no idea.

 

What about lubrication as well ?

 

I have a bottle of Singer Sewing Machine oil. I guess that would work ?

 

Any advice most appreciated.

[poliss]

30 minutes each way at medium speed. I'd do 15 minutes going one way round an oval, then turn the loco round and go the other way. This is because sometimes a loco will go perfectly fine, say on always turning to the left, but may stutter when turning right.

If it's a new loco then it shouldn't need any lubricating, unless it's been on the retailers shelves for a long time.

Singer sewing machine oil should be fine, but check with the loco leaflet. Some need grease instead, and some never need lubricating.

[james_nelmes]

It's best to use a specific model oil as some oils can damage plastic. They are available from model shops or auction sites.

locos tend to come with oiling instructions and follow these exactly. If you don't have them you tend to oil 'bearings' (I.e places where parts in contact move like axles, motor bearings etc.). The biggest issue is getting too much oil on the model. I tend to use a pin, get a small drop on it, apply and wipe off the excess.

Some people use grease but my experience of this is not great. Last year I picked up a ringfield powered Hymek as a non-runner which didn't run because it was caked in solidified grease. About an hour stripping it all off and re-lubricating had it running as good as new.

[Paul60]

 Thanks Poliss & James.

 

[poliss]

Maybe they weren't using the specialist model railway grease with PTFE James?

[Fazy]

I tend to just use grease on the gears. And oil for bearings and other moving parts on RTR model. The oil you have should be fine.  And remember if you can see the oil on the model you have probably used to much.

[james_nelmes]

Poliss - you are right. People always use what is to hand, rather than waiting and getting the right stuff. I know some people recommend grease and as long as you know what you are doing its good. I use a model oil for my hornbys and they range from 1959 to the present and it works really well.

[poliss]

What you should never use are 3-in-One oil, WD-40 or any petroleum based lubricants.

[BrumDave]

WD40 no good for lubricating locos is a debateable subject, I have a mate that has been fully involved with this hobby since he was 6 years old, he turns 60 in September and has been using WD40 as a loco lubricant ever since he can remember, he has a massive DCC layout with dozens of locos every one of them serviced with WD40, he even cleans his track with the stuff, he has no trouble with his style of maintainance.

Having said that he tried to get me to use WD40 but I I hate the smell of it plus I use it to help me undo rusty bolts etc, dont like the idea of putting it on locos or track, what I use is oil made by a mob in Devon, I use Finish Line Synthetic cycle grease on gears, this was recommended by N gaugers for Farish gears and we all know how lousy their plastic gears used to be.

[poliss]

WD-40, which stands for Water Dispersant 40th formula, dries up quickly and leaves a horrible gunk behind.

I turn 61 in a few weeks and I wouldn't let it anywhere near my locos.

[BrumDave]

WD-40, which stands for Water Dispersant 40th formula, dries up quickly and leaves a horrible gunk behind.

I turn 61 in a few weeks and I wouldn't let it anywhere near my locos.

HaHa I used it on my layout shed door locks and get fedup of getting black gunk all over my hands, yep My mate can keep the stuff.

[poliss]

Just been reading up a bit more on it. Seems it also dissolves rubber, so good luck with your traction tyres.

Used it on one of my doors once. The wood still has a dirty stain which shows through the paint.

[Fazy]

I seem to remember that there is a range of one of them out now. Some of the new ones are totally safe to use with rubber and plastics, and may even be designed with the railway modeler in mind. But I'm not in the market for any and won't be for some time so haven't looked into it to much. I can't remember if its WD40 or 3in1.  

But I thought I would mention it as some people like to stick to brands they know. 

[poliss]

I buy Labelle Lubricants. Specially formulated for model railway use. They're what the Sanda Kan factory, where Hornby used to be made, use.

[Huwsie]

Did you know that if you have an oil stain on your clothes, spray it with WD40, and leave it soak for about 10 mins, then put it through a normal wash in the machine. The washing machine will stink to high heaven for a week or two, everyone will complain bitterly, but hey.... your stain will be gone..

I believe it's origins are a preservative oil developed in the war years, and it's primary ingredient is fish oil?..

[poliss]

It was developed as an anti-rust coating for the Atlas rocket. There is no fish oil in it.

[Paul60]

  

Well, I run it in as per the advice here.

 

Running nicely.

 

Thanks for the help and advice.

 

By the way, they reckon (whoever 'they' are) that WD40 is a spray on arthritis cure.

[81F]

 I used WD40 on an hornby triang 0-6-0 chassis and the wheels fell off!

 

It seemed to penetate the gap between the insulated bushes ont the wheels. The first i knew was the quartering seemed to go on one of the wheels and when I tried to prise it off all three on one side pulled off their bushes easily!

[96RAF]

Another odd use for WD40 - a neighbour swears by a quick wipe over with it for keeping her bathroom tiles free of limescale. No doubt her bathroom stinks like a workshop though.