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Lubricating plastic to slide

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  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Stow, OH - originally Boston
  • 177 posts
Lubricating plastic to slide
Posted by Paul D on Saturday, September 2, 2017 10:59 AM

Hi Folks - I have a couple of Scenemaster and Bush-Gmbh fire ladder trucks that really are made for showcases but I want to occasionally set up a scene. Ladders & outriggers can be very stiff. What's good for lubricating parts for anti-friction: silicone, graphite??? Once in place they won't be moved until put away for next time. Thanks

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Saturday, September 2, 2017 11:12 AM

Dextron III Mercon automatic transmission fluid.  A single drop of it, then slide the two items back and forth to distribute it well.

Or, a suitable plastics-safe hobby oil.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, September 2, 2017 11:17 AM

Graphite is black and I'm guessing your fire truck ladders are not. I suppose you could consider it smoke weathering, but most fire trucks are pretty clean.

Labelle 106, with which I just lubed my GP-7, advertises itself as plastic compatible.   That implies that some greases are not.  If I had silicone, I would test it on a scrap piece.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Saturday, September 2, 2017 3:55 PM

Paul D,

Take Your pick........I personally use the #134 Teflon Lubricating Powder, also the #106 Plastic compatible grease with PTFE for RC equipment and all models that require lubing for yrs. without any problems. The grease and powder are both white, which when used correctly look clear in some cases. Click on link:

http://www.labelle-lubricants.com/Labelle-Robotic-Flyer.html

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

 

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Stow, OH - originally Boston
  • 177 posts
Posted by Paul D on Saturday, September 2, 2017 4:06 PM

Thank you, Gentlemans . . . and do those who use Labelle buy direct, as from the link to their site?

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Saturday, September 2, 2017 4:20 PM

Paul D,

I usually order from Walthers or Hobbylinc when need be, along with other items that I may need. They both last a very long time.......just about all hobby dealers carry it and I believe some Big Box stores do to. RC Model cars, trucks, airplane etc. dealers.

https://www.walthers.com/

http://www.hobbylinc.com/model-trains

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

 

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, September 2, 2017 10:14 PM

I agree with Frank on the powdered PTFE.

You can get the Labelle from MB Klein:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Lubricants-s/965.htm

or if you deal with Amazon you can find it there, too. Significantly larger quantities as well.

https://www.amazon.com/MICROLUBROL-OMNIFLON-XDL-Lubricant-APPLICATOR/dp/B017C159RS/ref=lp_13880588011_1_1?srs=13880588011&ie=UTF8&qid=1504408791&sr=8-1

 

Good Luck, Ed

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