Oil for engine

[PhilipB]

I am returning to my Hornby after a 6 year break. I am currently testing my locomotives and some of them are not running effectively and I think they probably need a drop of engine oil on the wheels or axles. In these days of lockdown, can you just use normal household oil (the stuff you might put on a squeaky hinge) or is it imperative that you use proper model railway engine oil?

[BreatGritain]

Avoid the likes of wd40, as it can damage plastics. I use 3-in-1 oil, which is available from screwfix amoungst other places, if you can get out to get it.

[96RAF]

Regular household oil is too heavy for modelling use.

3-in-1 leaves a residue when the solvent evaporates, so also best avoided.

Use very light oil such as sewing machine or clock oil or proper modelling oil which usually comes in a pen like oiler. Such a purchase will last you for years.

The important thing is not to over lubricate. The mantra is if you can see it then you have used too much.

[Rog RJ]

3 in 1 oil was ok for old Triang models but for today's very fine models a proper modelling oil is best.  It may seem expensive for the amount you get but you should only be applying it very sparingly and it should last you for years.

 

WD40 becomes very thick and gooey and is best kept away from models (IMHO)

[37lover]

I use Sewing Machine oil; a 100ml bottle that cost a few pounds but will outlast me. Probably be sufficient even if I was running a business servicing model locos, which I am not. Do not use WD40, 3 in 1, or any other general purpose oil. I am sure you could obtain either some Sewing Machine oil or proper modelling oil from Ebay.