I have both N gauge and O gauge locomotives. I am wondering if it really matters what oil kit to use, as Labelle has them for N and O.
TrainGuy4014 I have both N gauge and O gauge locomotives. I am wondering if it really matters what oil kit to use, as Labelle has them for N and O.
Alton Junction
Multiple questions here. Do diesel locos need grease? If yes, what type(s)? Where to add it and how to do it? How often to apply?
kasskaboose Multiple questions here. Do diesel locos need grease? If yes, what type(s)? Where to add it and how to do it? How often to apply?
Rich
richhotrainI think you are reading too much into the OP's question.
He needs a 'kit' that contains the proper range of LaBelle lubricants for BOTH his O scale and N scale locomotives. That range might not be included in a store-bought 'kit' for one or the other scale -- and determining what he ought to have in hand does require some knowledge of how the lubricants will be used correctly in the various places on both large-scale and small models.
Overmod richhotrain I think you are reading too much into the OP's question. Perhaps... but not 'too much' too much. He needs a 'kit' that contains the proper range of LaBelle lubricants for BOTH his O scale and N scale locomotives. That range might not be included in a store-bought 'kit' for one or the other scale -- and determining what he ought to have in hand does require some knowledge of how the lubricants will be used correctly in the various places on both large-scale and small models.
richhotrain I think you are reading too much into the OP's question.
Perhaps... but not 'too much' too much.
But, I guess if we want to turn this thread into Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Lubricants for Model Railroad Locomotives, sure, why not.
I just spent a few hours a couple of days ago disassembling and cleaning two of my N scale locomotives because they were overloaded with grease from the factory that was thick and had turned a brownish gray color. It was so bad that it took 75 percent throttle just to get them to move. It kind of reminded me of what I went through with some of my Proto locomotives when I was in HO.
After taking them apart and cleaning the truck gears, wheel axle gears, worm gears and bearings, I used Labelle 108 light oil on the bearings and just a dab of Labelle 106 grease with PTFE, what Labelle calls the "slickest substance known to man". Then I ran them awhile to let everything work it's way in to where it needed to be. They both then ran like new.
Some say the truck gears are made of slick plastic on most N scale locomotives and really don't need anything but even some of those say that Labelle 106 is still a good thing.
I too have some ventage O Lionel and Marx locomotives and I just finished watching a YouTube video where a guy used 30w non detergent automotive motor oil for lubercation on an early Marx 898 locomotive.
Hope this helps,
Ralph
1) Yes
2) Grease for the gears, LIGHTLY oil the bearings (motor - keep off commutator or it will burn which is bad juju - universals and other bearing surfaces in drive train, truck journals, valve gear, side and driving rods)
3) I use a toothpick to apply grease, oil comes with an appicator
4) I clean out and replace about once a year
See Labelle How To (youtube.com)
Col Bob,
Thanks for posting the YouTube link! I'm about to take some LL P2K units apart and was trying to remember "Which lube/grease to use for which application".
With the higher prices of new models, I'm taking care of what I currently have.
Col Bob 1) Yes 2) Grease for the gears, LIGHTLY oil the bearings (motor - keep off commutator or it will burn which is bad juju - universals and other bearing surfaces in drive train, truck journals, valve gear, side and driving rods) 3) I use a toothpick to apply grease, oil comes with an appicator 4) I clean out and replace about once a year See Labelle How To (youtube.com)
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