My Atlas(Kato) RS3 made like an ALCO!

I had not fooled with my Atlas RS3 in several years, last having run it at shows in 2001 or 2002. When I went to photograph it I noticed that some metal frame showed between the long hood and the walkway - like a plumber's butt. I also recalled that I had sidelined it as it made like an ALCO when last run - it smoked!

Anyway, since I am considering "steamizing" I thought I'd best fix it up and check the ALCO exhaust problem. Removed the body, put it on the test track and ran it. It ran perfectly and smoothly in both directions, but wisps of smoke could be seen emanating from the motor area. I then loosened the screws hold the frame halves together enough to drop the trucks. Put the frame on the rails, could hear that it was running smoothly, but still was behaving in ALCO fashion, smoking.

So, It was then time to take the whole thing apart. Checked everything out, all seemed fine, except too much lubrication. So, cleaned the excess off and put a tiny drop of LaBelle 108 on the motor bearings. Reassembled, minus trucks, and put on the rails. Still smoking... So, I said a few cusswords and decided to see what would catch fire or burn up! After some clouds of smoke that would have done a fireman sanding flues proud, it ceased smoking, all the while purring like a contented cat.

All I can think is that there was a little too much oil and having sat on its side for years at a time, oil got on the brushes and the smoking stopped when it finally burned off.

BTW, it's now all fixed and appears to run fine, although the frame did seem a little warm after I cranked it 'way up to see what might burn up.

Anyone else have a similar experience? Did you ever find out the reason for this strange behavior? Or was it just copying its prototype?