freight car axle lube

[jwar]

I have a few freight car wheel sets that are squeeeekers. Thinking of using silicone applied with a toothpick to the axle points. Any type of oil would attract dirt and also wondering about some kind of poly type wax ? wife suggested using Pledge...?

I didnt use to mind the noise as the freight went down my helix, but is getting old listening to my model train running downhill dragging the brakes.
Using Proto wheels in some very old metal and some newer plastic trucks, they have lot of play but dont really roll that great. Thank you for your replys, have a great day...John

[selector]

If we can assume that you are unable, or merely unwilling, to change the trucks, and that we must live with them, have you cleaned out the journals? Have you taken out the wheel assemblies and blasted into the axle recesses with water/air/ varsol/pinesol/anything that will get the grit and gunk out? Then, perhaps used a ream to smoot out the recesses? Then lubed with Hob-E Lube, or LaBelle's oil, or Woodland Scenics grease?

If the truck journals aren't too old to keep in service, then any of the above might improve performance.

[Anonymous]

I use a tiny bit of conducta lube with a needle point applicator.
My biggest squeak comes out of my Budd passenger cars and they are IM's.
Axles come in various lengths, thus"they have a lot of play".
P2K 1.008, IM 1.013, KD 1.018 etc and it's a long list.
http://www.theoldandwearycarshop.com/Reboxxcharts.html

[cacole]

Try to find a tube of dry, powdered teflon such as Hob-E-Lube HL652 Dry White Lube With Teflon. Remove the wheelsets and clean out the side frame journals and ends of the axles, and dip the ends of the axles into the teflon before replacing them. Teflon will not attract dirt like a liquid lubricant does.

[jwar]

Thanks guys , found the hobbie lub and a truck ream at LHS and they seem to be much better.

[Anonymous]

P2Ks wheel sets aren't perfect. They have a trail of flash on the bearing surface and tend to ratchet as thet roll. Try Intermountain's replacement sets, they are the new standard at Midwest Mod-U-trak and they don't shed the cheesey chrome plating like some do. They also have semi scale wheels that look great on that secial P2k, Intermountain, Redcaboose or resin car.
Rob