Lubing HO Steamers

[Anonymous]

Well, the other day I was running my Rivarossi UP FEF-3, when I noticed that it was starting to get a bit.....sluggish. So I oiled the side rods, ect. and tried it again. Not to much difference. So, I figure it's the gears that need lubricating. What would I use for this, grease or oil? Any particular brand?

Also, the front wheel on the lead track refuses to spin when the train is in motion. Any ideas?

Thanks, Jonathon[8D]

[MidlandPacific]

You definitely want grease for the gears: Labelle Industries makes some good stuff; make sure it's plastic-compatible (it will usually say it on the label) so it doesn't damage the mechanism.

[selector]

A wheel that refuses to rotate is indicating that it is encountering too much friction. So, remove the truck, and remove that axle to see if lint, dust, metal or plastic particles have become lodged there. Check the other axles, too. Sounds like it needs a general 'cleaning', always a good investment of time. Then, lube and reassemble. Drive train!

I sure hope that that's all there is to it. Good luck.

BTW, Woodland Scenics makes Hob-e-lube, a white grease compatible with plastics.

[Virginian]

Labelle gear oil (the heavy stuff) is also good for the gears. I believe it spreads thru the whole geartrain better than the grease, too. So I use grease for a single worm and gear, and oil on a geartrain.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guy! I'll be sure to pick up some Labelle Grease the next time I go to the LHS.

By the way, the side rods on my FEF-3 (and my other steamers) are getting quite, grimey. Is that bad? Will it come off easily?