I have the Labelle starter kit with 102, 107, and the 106 grease. Is the 901 Motor Cleaning Kit worth it? I have several locos I'd like to quiet down, and they may or may not have old grease in them, but I'd prefer to put new lube everywhere if possible (and of course in the right amounts)
Julian
Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)
Hi fieryturbo:
I don't see anything in the kit that makes it worth $18.00. Granted I don't know what is in the cleaning solution, but I doubt that it will do any better than isopropyl alcohol. Q-tips are cheap. Paper towels will do just as much as 'specialized' cleaning cloths, and you are going to need paper towels anyway to lay the parts out on while they dry. What's missing from the kit is a stiff bristled cleaning brush for which your old tooth brush will be a fine stand in. Cut the bristles a bit shorter if you want more traction. A used margarine tub makes a great bath.
Bottom line is that I don't think they have re-invented the wheel.
The people who have re-invented the wheel in terms of lubrication are the suppliers of Nano Oil! No, I don't own any shares in the company! I now use Nano oil exclusively and I can testify that it really does make an improvement in performance. The most notable proof that I have had to date is when I applied Nano oil to the gears of a BullAnt drive. The manufacturer (Hollywood Foundry in Australia) suggested that the drive would require a two hour break in period. I ran the drive briefly with the factory installed gear lube and then I applied a drop of Nano lube to the gears. Within about five seconds the drive speed increased by something around 30%. I'm guessing at that but the increase in speed was pronounced and immediate!
http://nano-oil.com/
It's not cheap but it is good, and the small tubes should last for many years.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter What's missing from the kit is a stiff bristled cleaning brush for which your old tooth brush will be a fine stand in. Cut the bristles a bit shorter if you want more traction.
When I was in the Air Force, we did a LOT of soldering. We called these acid brushes, but once the bristles were cut a little shorter, they made GREAT cleaning brushes. And, at $9.25 for a box of 48, the price is right.
Micromark Cleaning brushes
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Acid brushes can also be found at most local hardware stores as well as the big box stores.
Marlon:
Good idea!