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Athearn diesel locomotives: which la Belle oil/grease?

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  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 9:59 PM

Hi Tom:

Yes, you are probably right. I debated which order to do it but yours makes more sense.

Thanks

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by tstage on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 9:32 PM

Hi Dave,

Just a suggestion: You may want to edit your original post(s) with the warning rather than tagging it at the end of the thread(s).  That way it doesn't get missed because someone didn't scroll all the way to the end.  And perhaps using the strikethrough feature would help draw attention to it.

Again, just a suggestion...

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 9:18 PM

WARNING!!

I gave this advice a while ago. It may be wrong:

hon30critter
Consider investing in some Nano Oil. I suggest just buying the #10 and #85 grades only (I haven't tried their grease, and the #5 grade is a penetrating oil for seized joints). Here is one example of why I am impressed with their products: Not too long ago I bought a BullAnt power truck from Hollywood Foundaries in Australia. They are finely built mechanisms but according to the manufacturer they require about 2 hours of run in time to get optimal performance. I powered the brand new BullAnt briefly and noted the speed at which it ran with the factory installed grease. Then I used tiny amounts of Nano Oil #10 on the motor bearings and #85 on the gears. I then re-applied the same power and within a few seconds the speed increased significantly. I'm guessing about 30% but I had no way of measuring it.

Please read this:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/261415.aspx

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by dknelson on Thursday, March 31, 2016 10:02 AM

For bearings on axles, LaBelle 108 plastic compatible.  For gears, LaBelle 102 gear oil, again plastic compatible.

Dave Nelson

  • Member since
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  • From: Franconia, NH
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Posted by dstarr on Thursday, March 31, 2016 8:10 AM

Well, I use grease on the gears and oil on the motor bearings and axles, and powdered graphite on the couplers.  Auto parts stores sell white moly grease in small tubes suitable for model railroading.  3 in 1 oil is sold everywhere and works just fine.  For that matter any light oil, sewing machine oil, clock oil, or the like is fine.  Hardware stores sell powdered graphite in small tubes to lubricate locks.

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Posted by BRAKIE on Thursday, March 31, 2016 6:22 AM

I use Woodland Scenics Hob-E Lube and for the finer spots I use light slot car oil..

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by jrbernier on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 11:21 PM
Like BMMECNYC, I bought the same 4. However, I generally use the 102 in the gear boxes, and 108 on the thrust bearing in the upper worm mount. I also.put a drop on each motor bearing. The key is to use 'plastic compatible' lubes! 3in1, Marvel, or the stuff at the grocery store check out line is NOT what you want...

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 11:18 PM

Hi caboose63:

My answer to which grades of La Belle oil/grease to use is 'none of the above'!

Seriously, I have used La Belle products in the past and they are good. However, you can do better. Consider investing in some Nano Oil. I suggest just buying the #10 and #85 grades only (I haven't tried their grease, and the #5 grade is a penetrating oil for seized joints).

Here is one example of why I am impressed with their products:

Not too long ago I bought a BullAnt power truck from Hollywood Foundaries in Australia. They are finely built mechanisms but according to the manufacturer they require about 2 hours of run in time to get optimal performance. I powered the brand new BullAnt briefly and noted the speed at which it ran with the factory installed grease. Then I used tiny amounts of Nano Oil #10 on the motor bearings and #85 on the gears. I then re-applied the same power and within a few seconds the speed increased significantly. I'm guessing about 30% but I had no way of measuring it.

I think that with that ability to improve performance on 'rough' (i.e. not run in) gears I'm not going to use anything else. Yes, it is a bit more expensive per tube, but you only need the #10 and #85 grades.

http://nano-oil.com/Products.html

I have no affiliation with the company.

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 9:09 PM

The ones recommended for HO would be my stab in the dark.  I bought 102, 106, 107, 108 to cover my modeling needs.

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Athearn diesel locomotives: which la Belle oil/grease?
Posted by caboose63 on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 9:05 PM

I just acquired àn Àthearn SW1000  and wonder what # number of la belle oil and grease to use on gears wormshaft of locomotive.

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