Greasing a Locomotive

[AF53]

Hi guys. I'm new to this forum, usually on the classic side.

I have a problem and I hope someone can help me. I have a Bachmann G scale I bought about 16 years ago and I haven't run it for about 5 years. I would like to do some greasing and/or oiling. I was wondering if the grease I use on my S scale and O scale trains also work on this? The reason I ask is that these gears are plastic and my other locomotive are not. Just want to make sure.

Thanks

Ray

[dwbeckett]

Ckeck to see if the grease you have is plastic compatable. if it's not marked the check the manufactor's web site for compatablity. then try ACE hardware for some. I use there white litheume myself.

Dave

[AF53]

Thanks Dave for the info. I called the dealer I bought for my American Flyer and he hasn't returned my call yet. Although I need to be patient as I only called this morning. It's just that I took the engine apart this morning and want to finish it today.

Again, thanks!

Ray

[spikejones52002]

I used silicone fishing reel grease. It has not affected any plastic parts. It also does not dry out or get hard.

I find a small tube goes a long way. The tip goes in just about any where. price is under $5.00.

You can find it at just about any sporting good section. A small white tube.

[Greg Elmassian]

I have a page that might address some the the basic questions that have been asked:

 

http://www.elmassian.com/trains-mainmenu-27/lubrication-mainmenu-34

 

Regards, Greg

[AF53]

Thanks guys for all your help.

Greg - Nice link! Alot of information!

When I called the dealer and left a message he was nice enough to call me back later in the day. I usually don't plug any dealer but when it's deserved I thought all could benefit from it. I got my gear grease from www.martystrains.com  His comments were that although I bought this grease for my American Flyer it is also compatable for plastic gears. So later that night I greased up the Bachmann and oiled where it was needed and it's back to working fine!

Again, thanks to all

Ray

[IRB Souther Engineer]

AF53

Greg - Nice link! Alot of information!

I agree.

[Greg Elmassian]

Thanks guys!

It's in a constant state of update and additions. On lubrication, I buy every "new" product that comes out just to try it. I have to admit I have not bought all the Hob-e-lube "premium" products.

Regards, Greg

[IRB Souther Engineer]

What do you think about Bachmann's EZ-Lube products?

[Greg Elmassian]

I did not mention Bachmann on my site because I think there are better choices.

Their oils are OK, but the price is about the same for hob-e-lube or aerocar. I did not find the bachmann oils exceptional.

The greases are poor in my opinion, except the one that is like a gel. This stuff appears to me to be identical to the aerocar NG gear gel, but priced much higher. It's got the same blue-purple color.

Their earlier greases, the white and the pink are not great, and I had some of the pink stuff sit in the sun and it turned watery and stayed that way.

I like their conductive lube, but I've used conductive lube from several manufacturers and they all seem the same, a clear, watery fluid. I only use it on commutators. It seems to do a good cob cleaning, I'm not sure it has any lasting "lubrication" qualities.

So, it's the same stuff as the other conductive lubes I have found.

I've found an exceptional product that does a better job of cleaning oxides and leaving some lubrication and is safe for electrical stuff, it's Deoxit and it's close to magic on how it can clean and improve oxidized contacts. I use it on my Z scale also where the electrical contact areas are very tiny.

I've found Deoxit off the shelf at Fry's Electronics. There's 2 versions, fader lube and the cleaner/preservative, which is not a lube as much as cleaner and protective "layer"... no buildup, naptha based, have not damaged plastic with it yet.

Regards, Greg