Lubricate axle in plastic truck?

[KeithL]

I've received conflicting opinions on whether axles that rotate in plastic trucks should be lubricated or not.  I've been advised to lubricate the axle ends with Labelle 107 Oil (plastic compatible), and I've been advised that plastic trucks do not need to be lubricated at all.  Does anybody have a definitive handle on this?

Keith

[NeO6874]

I think it all comes down to opinion.

I myself never had a problem by *not* lubricating anything, but then again, I didn't have a basement empire, or anything even resembling a "large" layout.  Though I would imagine that cars that have a lot of mileage per session (scale or not...) might need a little oil to keep them running smoothly.

[chuck]

Plastic compatible oil will not cause damage but it may lead to accumulation of dust/dirt that may gunk up.  You may want to investigate using a small amount of dry graphite lubricant in the axle pocket.

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

Keith,

Unless there is a pickup against the axle, I look for good spin on the wheel.  If the wheel spins freely for a few seconds is good enough for me.  One axle may need lubed but all others on the same car may not.  I use LaBelle 108 (Light), and presume 107 is even lighter, which would be fine.  I can understand the logic that plastic trucks shouldn't need lubed- in a perfect world.  I've always used light oil and never experienced gumed up trucks, then again my track is unbalasted if that is a factor.  Never tried graphite, but sounds interesting.  Try different methods, but my advice would be to look for a desired spin per axle, then oil if necessary.

Good Luck,

Rich F.

 

[ChiefEagles]

Opinions are like.... well, everyone has one.  I lube all axle ends.  I use a special synthitic oil [plactic safe] in a needle oiler [as not to get too much] and the first thing I do is oil the axle ends of all rolling stock.  Then I use a little on the coupler knuckle.  This stuff is slick [ask Jim Apitz].  Will make the wheels fly with less resistance.   

[ben10ben]

My postwar cars get oiled pretty frequently, and always after they've been sitting on the shelf for a while. Otherwise, they just have way too much drag for some postwar engines to pull them.

I've never had a need to oil plastic trucked cars. The ones that have a copper wiper against the axle generally get a little dab of grease every once in a while, but that's it.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Ben -- totally