Necessity of using a conductive contact lubricant at selected loco and tender locations

It's never a bad idea, but it's not mandatory either.

I have three of the AM Pacific engines. One was converted to TMCC which I run frequently on the layout. AM engines would be considered modern rather than postwar. They are built much different than the Gilbert engines. I have both the Bachmann conductive lube which is a very thin liquid, and the MG Chemicals Silver Conductive Grease. I have never used them on AM engines, no reason to. If you do decide to use them be very careful where you put it and how much is used. The American Models insulators between the wheel and axle are very thin and it would be easy for the conductive thin oil to bridge that gap.

The DCC signal information, unlike Legacy, is transmitted over the rails. If you experience DCC dropouts you could try it.

Where I use the conductive lubes is on the newer Lionel Legacy diesels at the journal boxes. These are poorly designed and out of the box most do not run well. After the factory conductor springs under the journal boxes are replaced with heavier gauge springs I use the lube to assure conductivity.

On my Flyer stuff I use the same light oil on the tender axles/wipers that I use to lubricate everything else. Not sure that it is that important to use a special oil.

Thanks, guys!

Someone correct me if I am wrong: but I think that the only truly conductive lubricant might be graphite?  Aren't the "conductive" oils and greases able to claim that due to a very thin film rather than the product itself being conductive?? 

There are carbon based conductive lubricants available and they are usually inexpensive. The better ones are either copper or silver based and are truly conductors. The silver based grease is also very expensive, the Bachman EZ Lube is quite a bit less.

I would try the NO-OX-ID A Special.   I bought this electrical no oxidation conductive grease two months ago after watching some YouTube Videos on it's application for Model RR track cleaning and maintenance.   Wish I had found this stuff years ago.   Heck it's been around for 60+ years and apparently was recommended by Lynn Wescott decades ago.

I am using it on the blackened center rail of my gargraves and Ross track and switches as well as all carbon pick up rollers and it has made a big difference.

Anyway, it's available on AMZN 2 ounces should last me the rest of my life for below $7.00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H...dt_b_product_details

I use dielectric lubricant for such applications

BobA

I will second chris a on NO OX ID A Special, a conductive grease that has been used for over 60 years without issues and constant success.  It will work well for your grease application and then you can treat your rails and engine wheels and get the best operation of your AF trains ever.

NO OX has made a huge difference in the operation of my postwar 027 conventional controlled layout with slow speed operation improved dramatically with operation at a slow crawl possible for the first time ever.  A real improvement in switching operations has also occurred.

I have not mentioned the greatest advantage of NO OX is it eliminates track cleaning forever.  There are numerous reports on the over many years and various train gauge of trains.  I will be able to attest to this as time goes.\

Read more about NO OX on OGR link below.

https://ogrforum.com/...3#159096765317812943

Charlie