I searched the community but didn’t find the specific answer I’m looking for. I have 2 Proto 1000 RS2s and 2 Proto 1000 4-car R-17 subway trains. I haven’t laid track yet so they’re still in the boxes. Do I need to be pulling them out & lubing them periodically? If so, what lube should I use? T’anks
They shouldn’t need periodic lubing, just do so when you’re ready to run them. Just keep them clean and dry until then. Dan
Paul,
If they are sitting in boxes for a long time (year or more) then I would check the factory lube and see if it has dried out. This is especially true with Life Like P1K and P2K locos. If so, remove the gear covers and clean as much as possible and relube with new gear oil as per the manufacturers recommendation (you don’t want to over lube it). Try running it with power to wheels while upside down on the bench and let the gear lube work itself into the gears. then clean up any ‘loose’ oil/grease before putting it on the tracks. You don’t have to oil/lube them if they are just sitting in the boxes, only when you are ready to run them.
Bob
After they are out of the boxes and running, be sure to do repeat this procedure at least every 6 months to a year. I have an old Bowser K4 that was a gift from my wife the first year we go married. That was 43 years ago, and while I hardly ever run it, it still gets the yearly checkup, and it still runs like its brand new.
Thanks, men . . . very helpful.