So what's the lubrication material of choice these days ? I still have a foil tube of Lionel post war grease sitting in my workshop. I also have LGB gear grease and some Bachmann gear grease for my large scale trains.
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DP posted:I still have a foil tube of Lionel post war grease sitting in my workshop.
Not that.
Automotive greases and oils are both available in excellent synthetic formulations that work well for trains that are either used constantly or infrequently, or stored for long periods in variable climates. For example, $6 quart of Mobil 1 5W-30 will go a very long way, as well as a $5 tube of Lucas Red 'N' Tacky #2 grease. Synthetics are a really inexpensive upgrade that provide superior performance and long term protection. An added benefit of the Lucas is that it "climbs" geartrains for hard-to-reach lube jobs and does not sling off like conventional oils & greases.
Ah,,,, the monthly "lubrication" thread. Does the search function no longer work?
Hot Water posted:Ah,,,, the monthly "lubrication" thread. Does the search function no longer work?
Ha ha. After all, someone had to post this month.....LOL
There are a lot of different products out there. And...that's what a forum is for...asking, showing, sharing and learning. Besides automotive oils and greases there are many brand name model train lubricants out there made by Kadee, Aero Car, Woodland Scenics, and Labelle. Matt
Save the tube of Lionel grease for a curiosity item.
I like Labelle products, especially their 106 grease with Teflon.
I have tried Red N' Tacky, it seems OK, but I think I'll stick with the 106.
Sometimes I use the oil from an original Zoomspout Oiler (no longer made).
It is filled with Unocal 76 Turbine Oil.
While it is no longer made by the original manufacturer {Blue Lake Products), there seems to be plenty out in the retail market. One bottle lasts for years and years.
There are several other companies marketing oil in the same packaging with the same name. But I don't know what they are putting in the bottle.
Excelle Lubricants:
"For the Model Railroader that demands excellence for their motive power!" Produced by Phoenix Unlimited, LTD. Dedicated to keeping the world well oiled and running smoothly since 1962!
JT's Mega-Steam is proud to be a distributor for these fine products and make these available to our customers.
Lubricants can be purchased in the convenient 4-pack or purchased individually. No longer will you have to search for several different products and containers for your model railroad's lubrication needs. All lubricants feature precision bottles and are plastic compatible, conductive, and eco friendly; and all are made in the USA!
4-pack contents:
- Medium Oil: Medium viscosity oil. Conductive. Plastic Compatible. For general use and on wheels and pick-up rollers.
- Heavy Oil: Heavy viscosity oil. Conductive. Plastic Compatible. Use on motor bearings and running gear.
- Gear Oil: 100% synthetic. Conductive. Plastic Compatible. Extremely stable. Will not sling off gears or sliding parts.
- NLGI 2: Grease.Tacky water resistant white lube. Contains PTFE which cuts friction by 50%. Plastic compatible
DP,
I use the Red & Tacky on most everything, however I am going to purchase a 4 pack of Excelle O&G in the near future, strictly for my Legacy Shay Gears. I do believe the R&T is just a might heavy for them.
PCRR/Dave
