I need some oil for my trains, particularly the 726, since once she warms up it runs rough and growls, perhaps she needs oil, or perhaps it’s just not happy pulling a light load of cars!! LOL!! I have looked at the labelle oil and grease at the hobby shop, but at 7 dollars a pop for each, there has to be a cheaper alternative. Is there any?
Labelle is the best out there. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but a small bottle will last a long time.
Your 736 is a $300 engine easily-do you really want to cut corners on oil?
With that said, though, 3-in-1 oil will work fine for postwar trains, as will any good white lithium grease.
Yes, there are cheaper ways to melt the plastic on a locomotive or rolling stock. I would suggest looking on-line for Labelle’s products. Here is a website you might take a look at: http://www.cchobbies.com/catalog/Glues.htm
The key words are: Plastic Compatible
I have been using the same tube of Labelle’s grease for the last eight years for over 12 locomotives. You don’t use very much at a time so it goes a long long ways.
I agree on Labelle. For gears, White lithium automotive wheel bearing grease is a good alternative because it sticks to the gears well and doesn’t sling as easily as the model railroad variety. A tub is cheaper than Labelle and it’s everywhere. Some say it’s safe with plastic gears but I won’t take a chance.
Well, thanks bunches guys!! Looks like I am getting the Labelle stuff.
I bought this from Woodland Scenics
You get a little of everything lube wise and a lower price per tube.
Hob-E-Lube is a complete, special-purpose line of ultra-refined, model quality lubricants, which are precision-designed for tough, close-tolerance model requirements. All Hob-E-Lube lubricants have been thoroughly researched for use with trains, remote-control (RC) cars, planes and boats. They are paint and plastic compatible. These lubricants have almost limitless uses in the workshop, household and for all of your hobby projects.
Hob-E-Lub products are great, but their dispensers are no where as good as Labelle’s.
The Labelle needle oiler bottle is the best I’ve used. Hob-E-Lub makes a needle oiler, but, in my opinion, the needle is way too large in diameter. It won’t fit into tight spots nearly as well, and it lets too much oil out. A Labelle bottle won’t leak out out the tip even if it’s upside down-you have to squeeze the bottle to get any out. An upside down Hob-E-lub bottle will empty itself fairly quickly.