I have several PFM Shays 2 and 3 truck dating back to 1964, the first 3 truck. All of them have metal gears and no plastic. I don't think it matters if you use oil or grease. I use oil on all of mine and have had no problems. Any models with Delrin gears (which I don't think any of these have) have never been damaged by ordinary oil. I don't run mine much so leave them dry without oil for storage.
Jim
PFM Catalog
https://imgur.com/KFjKTU6
Beausabre
The one I have is similar to the first link you posted. Not exact but similar. Mine is painted black and looks like a factory paint job. Will check out the video link you posted later on
Does it look like one of these?
HO Brass PFM United 2-Truck Class B Logging Shay Geared Loco | BRASSTRAINS.COM
SCALE – HO
IMPORTER – PFM
BUILDER – UNITED
TYPE – CLASS B 2 TRUCK SHAY
FUEL – WOOD OR COAL
DATE – 1961
HO Brass Model - PFM 2 Truck Shay Logging Loco - Partially Painted Black - Early 1960's Run - United | BRASSTRAINS.COM
FUEL – OIL
HO Brass PFM United 2-Truck B-2 Class B Logging Shay - Straight Stack | BRASSTRAINS.COM
DATE – 1957
You may have yourself a true anteekew there!
PS - You may want to invest in a locomotive cradle. They are available at very reasonable prices
https://www.micromark.com/Foam-Cradle
https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/modeling-tool/84017
https://hobbytools.com/products/copy-of-cradle-foam-repair
https://www.amazon.com/HO-Foam-Locomotive-Car-Cradle/dp/B002O5YJ6U
There are probably others out there as well
PPS - Here's an entertaining video by a guy up in Canada named Harrison who is the Doctor Frankenstein ("It's ALIVE!") of reviving old, dead locomotives. Notice how he gets the superstructure off and lubricates things. He's got a whole series of videos which are great fun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cl3dD6ISE0
NYVTRR Thanks for the replies. It is a two truck shay with a straight smokestack. The label on the box was partially ripped off and there were no directions or paperwork with it. I will lube the outer gears with the #106 oil but I have no idea how to get the body off to do any interior work. I wonder if there is a youtube video that might help?
Thanks for the replies. It is a two truck shay with a straight smokestack. The label on the box was partially ripped off and there were no directions or paperwork with it. I will lube the outer gears with the #106 oil but I have no idea how to get the body off to do any interior work. I wonder if there is a youtube video that might help?
The body should come off as a single piece held in place by a few screws easily removed from underneath the loco...The drive train and the gears all stay with the frame and the body just lifts off...
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
It could go back to the Sixties. They imported more than one model of Shay, so to pin it down a bit more and find more info, is it a two or three truck unit? Type of stack? If you have the box, what is the info on it? Could you post a photo?
As far as lubrication, I would LIGHTLY apply Labelle 107 to the drive shaft and moving parts, including the journals If you go inside, lubricate the drive train with oil and place a small drop on the motor bearings. As it probably has metal gears, a schmeer of grease in the gearbox would probably be useful. The key is - use a light touch on the oil and grease
Model Train Lubes – Labelle-Lubricants
How to lubricate your models
https://youtu.be/jxXIIDmNI6g
I just picked up a PFM Shay loco at an estate sale. I believe it is brass and not sure how old it is. It runs well and am wondering do I need to do anything such as lubricating it etc. If so should I use grease or oil etc. This is the first brass I have owned and is new territory for me.
thanks in advance
Bruce