A question regarding maintenance

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone,

Now that I purchased my train set, last night I spent some time reviewing the manual that came with it. I got to the section regarding train maintenance, and told me to purchase the maintenance kit, which I will do today.

It gave a small diagram of what to oil or lube on the engine. What it doesnt tell me though, is how much to use. I dont want to over do it, I was assuming probably only a drop or two. Can anyone please clarify?

It also doesnt tell me how often I need to do this, or if I should be doing it after the train runs for a certain amount of hours.

Another thing it says is to clean the track. How often does this need to be done?

I assume the maintenance kit has everything to maintain the train itself as well as the track? Or is that separate.

Thanks in advance.

[CNJfan]

A drop or two of the oil is all you will need. Same goes for the white grease for any exposed gears. As far as how often, it depends upon how much the engine is used. If it's an engine used only during the holidays, then once a year is fine. If it's used more regularly, maybe once a month would be good. Just remeber to wipe off any excess oil as not to get it on the tracks.

Yes, a track cleaner eraser for very dirty or oxidized track and a liquid track cleaner for general cleaning should come with the maintenance kit.

Enjoy the trains...........

Tim C.

[thor]

It will be obvious when your track needs cleaning, the trains will start to run badly at low speeds or slow down on certain spots and you can easily see the gray film that builds up. Its easily removed with a paper towel and a drop or so of rubbing alcohol. Don't use water/detergent or if you do make quite sure its thoroughly dried off as the track can rust surprisingly quickly if it gets damp and is left like that.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

A drop or two is fine.  After oiling car wheels give them a spin and on locos if possible run it a few seconds to set the oil sit then place the item on a paper towel for a bit to let excess drain off.  Wipe off excess then run or store the item.  This will help keep the excess oil off the track which will help keep the track clean.

Jim

[phillyreading]

Don't use WD40 on the track as this will result in an oily residue left behind.

Lee F.