3 in 1 oil - do NOT use on your trains

[johncolley]

One great use for 3:1 oil! I use it on a q-tip to coat the top of the rails prior to painting them. After the paint has dried I just wipe off the tops and one pass with the bright boy leaves me with nice shiny rails and beautiful conductivity. You don't have to use a lot, just so the paint doesn't adhere to the tops.
John Colley tholcapn

[BRAKIE]

Yeah,Years ago it was hard to beat 3 in 1 for our models..Todays models are a far cry from those of olden times and more delicate as far as the drive train..I have used 3 in 1 but do not recommend it..You could probably still use it on the side rods and cross heads of steam locomotives and some of the older diesels but why bother when you have better oils to chose from? I have also used sewing machine oil over the years past.

[Anonymous]

[:)]This is really timely. I'm just getting ready to maintain some locos that have been sitting around. Thanks.

[michaelstevens]

Well said (fellow Engineer) Nigel.

Happy Xmas !!

Mike.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice.

Warren

[nfmisso]

First do NOT use it on your trains. It is not good for them. It contains a mixture of oils and additives that are not well controlled. There are significant chemical differences batch to batch. Some batches will attack the plastic in your trains. There can also be particles in it that will damage the bearings. 3:1 oil is a penetrating oil intended for old bolts; it is even no longer considered appropriate for lubricating locks.

Stick with high quality lubricants designed for hobby use, making sure that the particular grade you get is plastic compatible. Here are some of the brands you might find at your local hobby shop (LHS):
Atlas, Bachmann, Crest, Faller, Kadee, LaBelle, Life Like, Lionel, Woodland Scenics.

It does not matter which you pick, just stay with that brand.

3:1 oil is a "traditional" lubricant, but times and materials have changed, and it is not the best solution. There many who will say that they have used it for years, that is fine, but the materials used in model trains have changed greatly in the past decade.

I am a Mechanical Design Engineer, licensed Professional Engineer, with over 20 years experience. I design bearing systems for a living.