I just put some new Walther’s Super Chief passenger cars on the track and the wheels obviously need oil – they squeek. Does any one have a good way to oil wheels without dripping the oil on the wheels and getting it all over the tracks?
Thanx much…
most LHS’s sell an oiler with a needle spout or if you know someone in the medical profession have them get you a syringe with a needle on it…or you can do it the hard way, take the wheel out of the truck and put a daub of oil on the wheel bearing shaft with a tooth pick…most trucks are plastic so use an oil that is compatible with plastic, i use whal’s clipper oil that you can get at most beauty supply stores… chuck
Labelle is the best oil for most applications as it is designed ro model railroads. If the applicator isn’t small enough put a drop of oil on a hard nonporous surface and dip a pin in it. Then transfer the oil to the axle end.
Oil attracts dirt. You’d be better off using powdered graphite on the axles. Automotive parts houses sell powdered graphite as a speedometer cable lubricant. Put a small amount of graphite onto a paper napkin or towel, remove each wheelset, and dip the ends of the axle into the graphite.
Thanks much guys. I think I have some of the graphite stuff from previous car restoration projects…
You might have a bit of flash in the journals also. Clean them out with a new #11 exacto knife blade or, if you like fancy tools, buy a Truck Tuner from Micro-Mark. Avoid oil. Use graphite.
If you use graphite doesn’t it get on the track, the the engines and cause a problem with shorts?
Tom
If it gets into your shorts it will cause some real problems for you. [swg]
If you used about 50 times more than is needed, it might… No, the little graphite that would be added to the journals to lubricate them will not cause any problem at all. Even if a tiny bit did get on the track, it would not cause a short. I blow off any excess after I lubricate the journals with graphite. I have been using it for years and have had zero problems.
Best LOL all day.
I use the truck tuner on all my trucks, and add a squirt of graphite. I do this on the workbench and tap ever-so-gently to get any excess out before returning cars to the track. Never a problem in that area (binding, squeaking) and all my cars will roll great (maybe too great – the slightest incline and they’re off and going…)
If its not a real bad sqeek , i love it ,adds realizam! think about it
Carl…