I was wondering what kind of monthly, annual care you need for your Loco’s…I read an article where someone stated that they replace the grease that comes from Bachmann with a superior grease for more performance.
I also have noticed that the metal wheels build up “goop” for a lack of a better term and am wondering if there is a slick way to clean them. Just FYI, I am in Ho scale I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 steam, Model Power gp28-2 and fianlly a Bachmann 0-6-0 , thomas the train which is my sons. Thank you,
[#welcome] I remove the shells. attach a couple of aligator clip test leads between the power pack and loco power pickups. power up the loco so the wheels spin and use a Q-tip dipped in Goof Off to clean the spinning wheels. Non powered wheels can be turned by hand and the same cleaning process used. Be careful with Goof Off type products around plastics. Some types don’t like the stuff.
I don’t recommend Goof Off. It’s a solvent and will dissolve paint and plastic if it runs or drips. I think the wheel brush or alcohol are better options.
A quality loco, especially any of the newer runs will run perfectly out of the box. On occasion, you may end up w/ one improperly lubed from the factory but I find it rare these days.
If I find that I can’t remember if I had ever serviced a particular engine, then it most likely needs some care and maintenance. Overlubricating can one of the worst things to do- a loco will usually let you now when it’s in need of service.
Clean wheelsets are a must, moreso for DCC. Many new ones can run poorly due to dirty wheels. Most of my roster is Atlas, P2K, BLI or Stewart. After tossing the knock off couplers and using Kadees, I’ll clean the wheels. I find that using 91% alcohol on a paper towel works quite well. Place the wetted towel on the track, turn up power while holding engine w/ wheels spinning and allow one truck to run over the towel. Slight side to side rocking will also clean the flanges. Place towel on opposite end and reverse for other truck.
This seems to do the best job for me and will not harm the finish of the tread. I used to use the Kadee wheel cleaner exclusively, but found wheels getting dirty faster and wear on the nickle plating. The minute scratches can actually pick up dirt quicker.
Grease is generally used for worm/gear boxes. I prefer Labell 106
Oil is used for axle journals, motor and driveshaft bushings. A light plastic compatible oil w/ a thin needle applicator will work. A drop is all you need.
I run mainly steam,so when I need to clean the wheels, I turn the locos upside down in a foam cradle, attach power leads and use a Q-tip dipped either in rubbing alcohol or Micromark wheel and track cleaner. I clean the tender wheels by slowly revolving them and using the same procedure. However, if you have traction tires on your loco drivers, do NOT clean them with the solvents, it will shorten their life-span considerably.
When needed–and it’s not frequently–I use LaBelle grease on the worm gears, and very light LaBelle oil on the rods and eccentric gear. Just a tiny drop goes a LONG way, BTW.