I'm a auto tech by trade and to me maintenance is key to longevity for hobbies such as this one and I've got at least 20 cans of lubricants in my toolbox at work, I've got loads of silicone spray contact cleaner and die electric grease that to me theoretically would work just fine for maintaining my locomotives cars and track. Do any of you recommend against using these types of material for these applications I know that petroleum based products will ruin my trains because of the heavy amounts of plastic used in the gearing and drivetrain but I was hoping someone has first hand experience maybe in the same boat as me or buying stuff at an auto parts store for convenience sake
DoctorVroom!
There is certainly a lot of "crossover" from the arsenal of lubes, cleaners and chemicals used for automobiles and model railroad applications. Most auto applications have to be plastic safe anymore because of the increased use of those materials in automobiles.
I would first caution against anything labeled "contact cleaner" since I have seen many of these attack plastic very quickly. Check the can to be sure it is plastic compatible. I remember destroying a telephone keypad with the wrong contact cleaner once.
Brake Cleaner will destroy plastic almost immediately!
The old standby WD-40 or LPS1 have many uses in both auto and model railroad work. I use a product called CRC 2-26 (there is a 3-36 too, I don't know which is better?)
The main setback IMHO is that, as you mention, most of your auto products are in aerosol cans and the application of lube to model mechanisms are in tiny droplets, an aerosol can will spray way too much volume than what is required.
I'll use the eye of a sewing needle to get oil into the shaft bearing of a motor!
I have sprayed an aerosol into a smaller container using a shop towel to contain the mist, but for the most part, a dedicated set of model lubricants in the needle-point applicators will be your best bet. Labelle has been around for years and most modelers will attest to their quality.
http://www.con-cor.com/Labelle.html
I've only given a few examples. Others will have some good suggestions, too.
Regards, Ed
Some have recommended automatic transmission fluid (Dexron Mercon?) and there is a newer line of products by NanoOil (www.nano-oil.com) that have both automotive and hobby applications. I have not tried either of these but they have had some positive reviews.
Joe
gmpullmana dedicated set of model lubricants in the needle-point applicators will be your best bet. Labelle has been around for years and most modelers will attest to their quality.
I would never use anything except Labelle plastic compatible grease and oil, and isoproyl alcohol for cleaning wheels. My favorite locomotives from childhood were ruined by something, possibly 3 in 1 machine oil, only used once or twice, after awhile the plastic deteriorated and broke.
Hi DoctorVroom:
Welcome to the forums!!
I know you are trying to save some money by using what you already have on hand, but I'll put in a good word for the Nano Oil that Joe mentioned. I have been using it for a couple of years and the results are quite dramatic. In one case for example, I applied #10 Nano Oil to a brand new BullAnt drive mechanism. The drive came lubricated from the factory but the mfr recommended a two hour break in period before the unit would achieve full speed. The Nano Oil increased the speed by 20 - 30% within seconds.
It is not cheap, but only tiny amounts are needed.
Prior to the Nano Oil I used Labelle's oil and grease and they worked fine, but the Nano Oil is much better IMHO.
If you happen to be into guns, Nano Oil was developed specifically for firearm lubrication.
As far as cleaning solutions, I use 99% isopropyl alcohol which is available in Canada. For reasons I don't understand, apparently the highest concentration available in the US is 91% but it will do the same job.
Regards
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
As an auto tech, you know lots of plastic is being used in todays vehicles. The cSt value of 0-20w synthetic motor oil is the same as the hobby lubricants and is plastic compatiable.
For grease look for a synthetic white grease with PTFE such as Super lube.
Labelle is a fine product but its simply a repacked off the shelf item.
Jim
WARNING:
The following advice is wrong:
hon30critterI'll put in a good word for the Nano Oil that Joe mentioned. I have been using it for a couple of years and the results are quite dramatic. In one case for example, I applied #10 Nano Oil to a brand new BullAnt drive mechanism. The drive came lubricated from the factory but the mfr recommended a two hour break in period before the unit would achieve full speed. The Nano Oil increased the speed by 20 - 30% within seconds.
Please read this:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/261415.aspx