Squeaking Wheels on Imperial Bigboy

Since it is only on curves, it is quite possibly simple flange bind. On our park train (2 foot gauge ride on), we used a graphite/oil mixture to help limit flange bind on tighter curves. I've seen G gauge trains really make some loud flange squeals going around curves outdoors. 

Lancer.... did you oil driver bearings/bushings?  also how is the front set of drivers powered as if a drive shaft it might be squeaking at its universal joints.

no way to tell from video just a best guess on my part.

if your into a test turn engine upside down and power it with a hot wire from transformer to the one of the engines roller and connect a negative/common ground to a good engine ground.

apply power and now move front drivers to a fully opened setting if you hear that noise you found its source.

just an idea I had.

Glad you found the problem.

If only all problems were this easy to solve.  Turn the engine sounds up until you can't hear the squeaking anymore.

Pete

#107 is what LaBelle recommends for O gauge, it is medium.

OR he could use forum sponsor Excelle Lubricants medium.

For medium, I use Lucas Air Tool Oil, which is slightly heavier than Marvel Air Tool Oil, which I also use - plastic compatible, contain rust inhibitors.  But that's just me.  I got no hyper pricey whiz bang stuff, just good ol' conventional, never squeaks, never any problems that aren't easily corrected.

Pete

Hi Lance

It is always very cool, when you can solve this kind of issue.

     Well done.

     Cheers from Michigan

You're right, and also a good point. I don't know much about Excelle Lubricants, my LHS does not carry them (they only have the other brand) and I keep forgetting about the Excelle products.

I don't think he's solved the issue yet.  The squeaky wheel always gets the grease.  Or a high tech medium oil?  Just be happy you're not an oiler on a real steam locomotive.  There are more spots to grease than the hairs on your head.  I fear you would never get any sleep at all.  Good luck, and as always, Cheers.

Of course, some locomotive sound sets have creaking and squeaking sounds, maybe just turn down the sound?

Make sure you oil the rods where they connect to the driver - right on the bearing.  I had a similar issue on a RF Imperial Challenger and this solved it quickly.  

If you suspect the noise is coming from the pilot truck, simply remove the pilot truck and give it a try.

Then you will know one way or the other.

Rod

I use Labelle 102 on my steamers. Its called a "gear oil" but its merely a "heavier" light oil thats more suitable for O guage, especially steamer drive rod linkage.

I've found this oils "stays where its put" better , in turn that results in less oil running off and less frequent oiling.