what is a good lube for a athearn diesel H.O. scale and how often due you apply lube to gears and motor [:)]
Hi,
Your question is timely as I just lubed 9 Proto 2k GPs and two small steam locos in the last two days. I use NYE light and high viscosity oils and a grease from the same company.
However, there are many brands that will work just fine, but make sure you get them from a hobby shop to assure that they will be compatible with the plastic gears, etc.
Use a light oil on the motor bearings, applied with a toothpick. LESS is better!!!
For axles and other more open areas, I use the heavier oil, and for gear to gear action I use the grease - although sometimes I use the heavy oil. In any case, especially around the motor, don’t overdue it. Excess oil makes a mess and attracts dirt.
Most locos are well lubed when you buy them but I check anyway. The timing between lubes is pretty subjective, and many of mine that get used regularly will go 6 months or so between lubes. Oh, one last thing… try not to get oil on your fingers and then transfer it to the loco body. It ain’t pretty regarding what that can do…
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
I use Dexron/Mercon transmission fluid. It’s safe for plastic. A small drop applied with a toothpick to each axle gear is plenty. My constant runners get cleaned and lubed every three months.
I can’t help with the lube part, but for the “how to” part, I came across this athearn maintenance tidbit not too long ago. I’m going to try my hand at it as soon as I get some related stuff I need.
Call me old fashion but,I still favor the “old stuff”.
For gears I like Labelle 106 and for the motor shaft/flywheel shaft,all bushings and U joints I perfer Labelle 107.
I service my locomotives every 90 days since they see heavy club use.Under normal operation twice a year.
thanks for the advise[:)]
This is the “tidbit” of info that I meant to put in my original post. I can’t believe I didn’t paste a link for you to see. How could I have let this get past me.
http://www.mcor-nmra.org/Publications/Articles/Athearn_TuneUp.html