Model railroad engine wear

[traingeek087]

This one goes out to all of the modelers out there who have a grade of some sort or another. My question to you is do you experience more wear on your engines with grades? i mean than with out a flat table top construction layout? Even with a helix? and if so how much wear and in what areas? Thanks.

[cacole]

On the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club's 20 x 40 foot HO-scale layout, we have 3 areas with 2% grades, with two of those grades being approximately 25 feet long and rising 5 inches. In the 4 years of operation on this layout, no one that I'm aware of has noticed any undue wear on any locomotives. Wheels and gear boxes would probably show the first signs of wear if there was going to be any. If a locomotive is kept properly lubricated, the gears and motors should last for many years.

[rogerhensley]

I have two grades of about 2.5 and 2.75 percent and in nearly 20 years of operating Athearn locomotives on them, I have replaced one motor and one set of power trucks in my oldest and most used locomotive. The motor just finally 'wore' out with the solder joints beginning to let go and I wanted the new plastic sideframes because they look so much better than the older cast sideframes. The wheels are still quite good. Why would I want to run an old Athearn GP9 when there are so many new better looking locos out there? It's earned the right to be upgraded with its years of faithful service. on my ECI.

Bottom line? If you always pull a heavy consist one way on the layout, you will probably eventually get a wear pattern on the wheels. If you operate back and forth, it should not be a problem for years. :-)

[cwclark]

my grades never acceed 2% because i like to run long freight trains....i don't get wear problems ...just power problems buy putting more diesels on the train to make the grades with the longer trains......i think i solved that problem too because i bought a power pack that supposedly can run 7 engines without overloading them....will have it connected to the layout shortly

[Eriediamond]

traingeek, anytime an engine is operated,it is going to wear and the more load that is put on it (cars, curves, hills and stoping and starting) is going to add to that wear. However, I don't think you should be overly concerned if you keep your engines well maintained (cleaned and properly lubed). I always keep an eye on new locos I purchase (new and used) for the first few hours it is operated. Unless you have an amp meter in your system, checking for heat build up in the motor can tell you if it is over worked. One of our club members brought an older steam loco to the club and ran it about ten minutes, pulling a passenger consist of three cars. After ten minutes , the motor got so hot it melted the plastic motor mounts and locked up. Cause: lack of maintainance. Again, if your engines are well maintained, they will probabley meet their end by old age or accident. Hope this eases your concerns

[Roadtrp]

Rookie question here...

I often read about keeping your engines "cleaned and properly lubed". I have no experience with this, and would appreciate whatever details you could provide. Some questions I have...

How often should maintenance be performed?
What products should be used for lubrication?
What parts of the locomotive should be lubricated?

Thanks! [:)]

[Eriediamond]

Roadtrp, basicly any moving part needs some type of lubrication, motor shaft bearings, universal joints, gear teeth and shaft bearings, axle bearings, truck swival points, side rods and valve gear on steamers, etc. There are all types of lubricant and different parts require different types, such as light oil or light grease and must be plastic compatible to keep from softening the plastic parts. The term "more is better" DOES NOT apply here. Cleaning the loco running gear is just part of it, keeping the layout clean and free from dust should also be a part of your maintainance program to keep that dust and dirt from collecting on the lubed parts of your locos. There are several books out on this subject and also some manufactures pack instructions for this with their engines. Oil and grease is a magnet for dust and dirt.

[Roadtrp]

Thanks for the information.

I currently dust my layout and clean my track every month, so I have that one covered. I will try to find a book on lubrication. Since I only run diesels it sounds like my task will be simpler than it would be with steamers.