Lubricating steam locos - what oil?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Anyone have any recommendations on the type/brand of oil for lubricating steam locomotives? I have a squeaky BLI PRR K4s.

2

I use Mobil 1 0/20 weight which I have first poured into a needle container. This is a very high quality synthetic oil which does not attack plastic, provides excellent adhesion, thermal stability and cleaning additives–let alone superior lubrication. And it can be had for $6/quart or less at Walmart.

Richard

3

Labelle.

They make motor oil and gear lube that are plastic compatible,

Rich

4

I use clean left-over auto transmission fluid. The Dextron III Mercon variety, made by several manufacturers, is plastics and paints safe. I use it exclusively for outer bushings, pivots, and slides on my HO engines, and on the trucks of rolling stock.

Crandell

5

Me too…

6

I used to use 3-in-1, but now I mostly use Dextron III compatible ATF. Gears get Vaseline. I have yet to have any problems with any of those.

7

I use the various Labelle products. Their light oil on the bearings and bearing surfaces, their gear lube on the gears. A VERY tiny amount is all that is required. Too much grease and oil is just as bad as not putting any on. The Labelle oils have needle point applicators so it’s easy to get just a small drop where needed. There are others, but I’ve used Labelle for nearly 30 years now, it kept my old Tyco and AHM locos runnign back int he 70’s and it works great on my Proto and Atlas and Broadway locos today.

–Randy

8

Caveat. My locomotives are old, all-metal types. No plastic bearings or lubricated parts.

I’ve been using automatic transmission fluid for all my locomotive lubricating needs, applying it with a sewing needle (eye end with the top cut off the eye.) It doesn’t take much.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

9

Utley26:

Labelle, Atlas, Life Like, Micro Mark, Walthers, Hobby Lobby, these are brands as well as these stores where I obtain my lubricants to lubricate my engines. Also sewing machine oil can be used and Hobby Lobby may have the librication set in your area.

I also use transmission fluid for my wheels and for track cleaning, it works great.

Robert Sylvester, WTRR