Hello everybody,
I have several N-gauge (Kato) model locomotives and other railcars with motors. Is it a good idea to run them periodically to keep them in good working order? How often? Are there other things I should be doing?
Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
Wheel cleaning will be needed from time to time. As far as exercising them, I dont really believe there is a need (however if you are looking for an excuse to play with your trains thats a good one). Cleaning your track before running trains will cut down on how much dirt and grime gets picked up on the wheels and in the trucks of the locomotives. I disassemble and clean my new HO scale stuff when I buy it. The people in the factory in China seem to have a gross conceptual error on how to lubricate rotating equipment (a little goes a long way in model trains). The excess grease leaking out of the gear boxes actually picks up dirt and dust and can cause issues later. I would not store them in an unheated area if you live in cold climate, the grease may harden and crack gears. If you decide to clean and relube your locomotives, you will need plastic compatible grease and ultra-lite oil (I use hob-e-lube HL661 from WS, but any ultra-lite plastic compatible oil should do). Labelle makes plastic compatble grease.
For my O guage stuff that doesnt get used often it gets put back in the original box, or is stored off the tracks on a sheet of foam (its quite heavy and I didnt want to leave locomotives sitting in one spot on tracks for an extended period of time).
keep 'em lubed, clean and change speed occasionally. I've been told things wear out quicker if you only run them at one speed forever.
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
dale8chevyssI've been told things wear out quicker if you only run them at one speed forever.
If that was the case every locomotive I ever owned would have been worn out.
The best method that works for me is service as needed and the time between servicing could be years if the engines is used occasionally or once a year if heavily used.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
BMMECNYC, Daniel G. and Larry,
Thank you all for your helpful replies. I will keep your suggestions in mind.