Rolling Stock Axle Oil

[dougdagrump]

While runing trains at the museum yesterday I came up with some squekky axles, unfortunately I had forgotten my oil. I borrowed an oiler from another club member, he uses Mobil 1 synthetic oil and it really seemed to make the cars roll much smoother than traditional oils. [:0]
Anybody else tried this and if so what were the long term effects ? [?]
For now I think I'm a convert. [:D]

[3railguy]

Automtive lubricants are great for trains. You have to watch for compatibility with plastics. I believe synthetic oil is plastic compatible but not 100% sure. Buy the highest viscosity you can. For gears, white lithium wheel bearing grease is good stuff because it sticks to the gears. Speed shops sell specialty lithium grease's that stick even better.

[Roger Bielen]

I've had good results with a teflon based lubricant that is used for the cams on compound bows, archery. I happened to have a tube on handy when I was out of oil and gave it a try, worked well. It's available at most places selling bows and arrows.

[ben10ben]

My only concerns would be those that John mentions of the plastic incompatibility. As long as it won't eat the plastic(Delrin usually in rolling stock trucks), it should be just fine.

[Anonymous]

Synthetics are the way to go and have been recommended the last few years. No problems with plastic and they do not dry out or get gummy.

Charlie

[4kitties]

I have been using LaBelle synthetic lubricants for years and I have been very happy with them. They are plastic compatible and are readily available at hobby shops. The bottles may seem small but they last almost forever. I still have half a bottle I bought in the mid-80's! I use the #107 medium oil on the axles and wheels of my postwar cars, and the #108 light oil in my modern cars with either plastic or metal sideframes. All my cars seem to benefit from this treatment, particularly the postwar ones.

On a side note, I collect vintage electric fans and use only synthetic oil in them. I'm a firm convert - it doesn't gum up over time like regular oils.