Shipleyloco Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Hi, a newbee here, which oil do i use to lube the locos. On some instructions it says use 3in1 some comments i have seen say dont use it, sorry but i am confused, thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/correct-lubrication-oil-for-moving-parts-oo-gauge/ Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 It is genuinely believed that 3 in1 and WD40 will over time damage some plastics used in models. It is recommended that genuine model oil is used from a reputable supplier. Say for example any of the on-line model retailers such as Hattons, Rails, Gaugemaster etc. Model oil I believe is mineral based and considered a light rather than heavy oil....the same oil type is typically used in oils that are marketed as 'Sewing Machine' oil and probably the same oil as used for Electric Hair Clippers..With regard the actual act of oiling, use very sparingly. If you can readily see the oil, you have used too much is the usual mantra on this forum. Such a small amount should be used that even a small vial should last for years. The proper model oils usually come with an inbuilt applicator to ensure that minimal amounts are applied......see (follow) link below..For more information on oil availability and confirmation not to use 3 in 1 or WD40 or other general purpose lubrication, follow this link:https://modelrailwayengineer.com/what-is-the-best-oil-to-lubricate-your-model-train-with-what-not-to-use/ . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shipleyloco Posted January 14, 2020 Author Share Posted January 14, 2020 Thanks for the replies, i will go hunting some other oil, thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingthedog Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Oxford Rail say use a light engineering oil such as 3 in 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Singer Sewing Machine oil, is the best i have found. Heather keeps asking for it back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morairamike Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I use fishing reel oil. It works well and stays where it's put. I haven't had to lube my locos for 3 years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellocoloco Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Thanks for the link explaining why not to use 3 in 1! I had often wondered why as it came up so many times on threads here...... Many years ago, whilst discussing a noisy Evening Star, the owner of my favourite model shop suggested a thicker oil for older Ringfield gears, like GTX.........its been running fine ever since. Everything else has had Singer SM oil, which, like Yelrow, I have found to do a great job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingthedog Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I contacted Oxford Rail about their suggestion to use 3 in 1, never did get a response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LCDR Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 It may depend upon the plastic used to mould the components, some are more resistant to attack than others, and there are some plastics that will respond to liquid poly and some that will not, so repairs have to be made with super glue, and others don't. Personally I wouldn't take the risk, and I use Electrolube or similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Some old Hornby Railways instructions, 1970s and a 1980s mentioned using 3 in 1. The old Shell oil supplied with Tri-ang Railways Locomotives was a nice oil, quite thick compared to some of the modern lubricants. Tolerances have changed over the years I suppose, and tighter tolerances need thinner oil, to get in and lubricate... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingthedog Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Perhaps Oxford will change their advice now they are linked to Hornby . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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