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Post by dlagrua on Nov 18, 2024 19:46:16 GMT
Here is a question that I frequently ask but always get a different answer. Its obvious that model trains have motors, rolling stock axles, trucks and other stuff that moves, turns or reciprocates.
Has any model train manufacturer/importer yet to recommend a set maintenance interval for cleaning, and lubrication of their products. I guess this would depend of now many hours of use your trains operate so lets assume that we are mainly occasional , perhaps seasonal users and not daily operators. Here are the questions and all opinions are welcome and appreciated; 1. How often should our engines be lubricated, axle bearings, motor gears, pick up rollers and trucks 2 How often should we lubricate rolling stock rotating surfaces for metal and plastic trucks?
3 Does passenger rolling stock require more frequent lubrication. 4 What are the best lubricants? Synthetic or std, oil grease etc? 5. What about the motors in our accessories? 6, Do switches need require lubrication?
More specifically how many hours of run time before needing lubrication.
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Post by josef on Nov 18, 2024 20:15:45 GMT
I might be in the minority.
Engines all oil every 2 months. Every year re-greased, old out, new in.
Rolling stock needle wheels, passenger cars every 6 months.
Tracks cleaned 1st of every month.
I been using Labelle oil and grease for decades.
Only use alcohol on track cleaner pads.
I have every engine given a card and when maintenance done on them. That way one I haven't used in a while I can look it up. Same for passenger cars, etc.
One reason I get busy every even month of the year, 2-4-6-8-10-12.
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Post by harmonyards on Nov 18, 2024 20:37:13 GMT
Ask 10 different people, you’ll get 10 different answers,…..why? ….because there is no set answer to this question. Maintenance intervals will depend solely on how often you operate, how long you operate, and how much abuse your equipment takes. The only rule of thumb you really need to keep in mind, is if it moves, it needs lube …..start with a 30 day maintenance program if you run your stuff often, and inspect your equipment on a regular basis. If you find things are ok, then you can extend your intervals. Maintenance should not be confined to just oil & grease. Inspect traction tires for stretch & dry rot, do spot fastener checks, clean & inspect tracks & switches. Inspect rolling stock for cleanliness, lube, and wear. ……preventative maintenance measures fall on you, not what someone else tells you ……
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Post by trainman9 on Nov 19, 2024 14:31:20 GMT
Williams, pre-Bachmann, used to say lube engines after 50 hours of run time.
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Post by dlagrua on Nov 20, 2024 0:54:50 GMT
I appreciate Josef's maintenance schedule and admire his dedication to it. It looks like I've got to get moving. Don't oil all that often but then again don't run the layout for hours on end like Cornerfield, NJHR or Choo Choo Barn. If my grandchildren come over about 15 minutes of run time is about what it is, same as what it is when I run for myself. For my application a once a year cleaning and oiling might suffice but it hasn't been done in a while.
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Post by david1 on Nov 20, 2024 2:28:39 GMT
I oil and Lube once a year but I rotate engines every two weeks. Oil freight cars when needed or squeaking. No set time for anything.
I always look at a engine before putting on the layout looking for dirt, bad traction tires, etc.
Been doing this for 50+ years and not one failure. Now that all my engines are command I tend to look at things more closely.
A little bit of oil and grease go a long way. Plus don't set your transformers to the max, lower voltage at around 16-17 volts is better for newer locomotives. The components will thank you.
Overall have fun,
Dave
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Post by david1 on Nov 20, 2024 2:37:19 GMT
Btw I run my trains every day maybe for an hour or so and sometimes when I can't sleep I'll get up around 3 or 4 in the morning, have a mountain dew (diet) and run a train for a half hour or so. Then back to bed for some sleep.
Beings I'm retired allows me to do this!!
Dave
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Post by curtis on Nov 20, 2024 3:47:47 GMT
Btw I run my trains every day maybe for an hour or so and sometimes when I can't sleep I'll get up around 3 or 4 in the morning, have a mountain dew (diet) and run a train for a half hour or so. Then back to bed for some sleep. Beings I'm retired allows me to do this!! Dave I thought I was the only one that did that. Of course I don't drink a infirior drink. 7Up is what it HAS to be. It loves yo and you love it. No caffeine. Never had it,never will!!!
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Post by david1 on Nov 20, 2024 6:02:11 GMT
Now, now Curtis you know that MT Dew is the nectar of the gods!!! Plus what else besides MT Dew goes with trains. But if you must 7up is not bad!!
Dave
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Post by atsda on Nov 20, 2024 18:59:09 GMT
Dennis, thanks for bringing this question up. I've appreciated hearing each of the responses. I like Walt's approach - especially the refgularity aspect. Alfred
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