I tried to do a search for this and came up with a lot of threads, none of which directly dealt with the subject. I'm trying to reduce traction effort. My first thought is to use a plastic compatable oil, but what if t got on the tracks. Tried to use graphite but it seams to all fall off before I get it back together. Help please! Charlie
I think that would be a nightmare long term. I just think oiling the trucks to all the rolling stock would eventually attract, and end up keeping more dust and debri in the trucks than any benefit would come of it. I just don't believe there would be enough benefit to justify the potential issues that could arise. Let alone any benefit that would be measurable. The locomotives have ample power to pull a set number of cars. (this is just random thought and figures) Lets say you are pulling 40 cars, and they are all lubed, it "might" give you the ability to pull maybe one more? I just don't see that enough increase to justify it. Just my opinoin...
I also don't think it would be worth the effort to lube all wheelsets. I model in HO and have had a couple trucks that squeak - I think it's a tight truckframe that's the cause as swapping out wheelsets made no difference. I did use plastic compatible grease very sparingly in the journal hole and got rid of the squeak and have had no problems since with dirt build-up on the wheelsets nor with slippery rails. My next step would have been to swap out the trucks.
Yes, I have. May I differ you to Tudor, he aptly describes the consequences of doing such. See above post. Your best resolution is cleaning the wheel set or purchasing a replacement. You don't want the grease and lube on the track.
I dont lube, because it lead to rails lubing, which is also lead for a lot of dust and dirt. Also all loco axles must be as clean as possible. In some locos oil can lead to bad electric pickup at springs.
Unless you are running metal wheels, all (if not, then most) N-scale rolloing stock wheels are slippery plastic where the axles come to a point and sits inside matching cups. Very little friction as is so there's no need to lube. I would be more concerned about attracting dirt like many above pointed out. Of course you can use dry lube or lube that goes on wet and dries to leave a Teflon film. But, I doubt you would will decrease the friction much given the point design of the axles.
Even with metal wheels, the key word above is "pointed axles". If you apply lubricant to the wheel axles, there's virtually no contact surface area between the pointed axle and holding cup for that lubricant to do anything, so its ultimately a waste of time and supplies. If your cars have more rolling resistance than you like, usually there's something else at play. The axle length might be too long for the truck causing the truck to squeeze the axle or there could be a build up of gunk and dirt inside the holding cup. If I ever have a car that does not roll as easily as I wish, I spin a small #50 something drill bit between my fingers and bore out the trucks just enough to get the wheel spinning freely. The correct size drill bit can also clean out any gunk build up. Just be careful not to go too far through or bore the axle cup too wide.
NO-OX -- A special If you're looking for something to clean and give better conductivity to your rails, here is the blow by blow on NO-OX...I've used it. It's real. I believe. :thumbs_up:
I would use Graphite on them and while your at it shoot some in each coupler pocket. http://fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=13414 Mike
