Pretty new to the worlds greatest hobby & have some questions ~ maintaning of engines & cars. I inherited some old DC engines & rolling stock. I also have purchased some new DCC engines. The old equipment is in need of some TLC (actually a lot). I'm seeking opions on what to use for cleaning: 1) wheels &/or body shell (metal & plastic), 2) axels (metal/plastic), 3)gears, motors, electric parts. After I clean them, what would be recommendations for lubricants for gears/drive shats, axels, couplers, etc. Finally, is there something better than the liquid track cleaner that came w/the inherited items? After cleaning the track, is there something that will extend the connectivity of the track... keep it clean longer? I know that the environmental conditions are a big factor when it comes to track viability. Anyway, thanks in advance for ANY help in the matters mentioned. I look forward to ALL responces so that I can pursue running trains. Richard aka RR Dick
Welcome Richard!!! A couple of things for you to check out..... Here is video of overall loco maintenance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYkzmwS-sYg&feature=g-user-u There are many ways to do this but a it's a good start. I am a huge fan of 100% Synthetic ATF for lube. Here a lube thread on MRH http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/1932 It's a FREE RR on line magazine well worth your while. You can download all of the issues if you want Here's another video on squaring away you rolling stock http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL1V1Q71mBs&feature=g-user-u Again, not the end all beat all but still a good overview These should give a good start in the right direction...... and keep you bust for a while. There are many ways of doing things and you need to find what works best for you. ratled
You may get as many answers on this as asking "what oil do you use in your car"? Labelle makes an excellent line of lubes. Labelle 106 for gears, Labelle 107 light oil. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY with lubes! The best track conditioner I have found is Labelle 105. GREAT stuff. I put a light coat on wheel wipers and such too. It's advertised as enhancing conductivity and it does. I have learned the hard way running a trains 12 hours a day at a trainshow. Pretty amazing. As for cleaning - I use Dawn dishwashing liquid on body shells and plastic parts. Alcohol on metal parts. Lots of good info on the links posted above and in threads on this site. READ READ READ!
