Basic N Scale Locomotive Lubrication Video

fifer Aug 11, 2014

  1. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    [video=youtube_share;AlcdWhe6hn4]http://youtu.be/AlcdWhe6hn4?list=UUEEI-TPnk69No14qZLfWb5g[/video]

    Mike
     
  2. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks again Mike for a timely release of this video. Pretty much what I have been doing for some time with most of mine. And you covered nicely what happens to old grease which is why I stay away from using it and attempt to get it out of those chassis that have it.
     
  3. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    Thanks so much John , I have NEVER used grease in an N Scale locomotive.
    Mike
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mike-

    I really enjoy your videos. They are so uncomplicated, easy for anyone to follow. Very, very useful.
     
  5. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    Yep that is how my brain works !!! LOL

    Mike
     
  6. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

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    Have you used Labelle 106 grease?
    I've used it on the gears in the trucks for what must be several decades, now, with no issues.
    Pete from BL...you know Who...used to recommend a combination of Labelle oil and their PTFE powder for truck gears.
    I tried that and found it a bit messy to apply. Also the oil had a tendency to get on the track, so I switched to the grease.
     
  7. Carl Sowell

    Carl Sowell TrainBoard Supporter

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    Nice video Mike. As you know, I have had some recent diesels that had so much grease it was oozing out of the trucks. Once I cleaned the thing up it ran so much better. I agree, that Delrin does not need a lot, if any, oil and especially no grease.

    Carl
     
  8. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

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    Again, why no grease?
     
  9. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Unless you service your locos religiously every year, or more often in a dusty environment,
    the volatile components of the grease will eventually evaporate leaving behind a cake like mess that will eventually even harden. Both oil and grease are made up of separate compounds and are not just one material. The more highly aromatic or volatile components are the first things to eventually evaporate and depart the compound. Add a little heat and it goes quicker. All petroleum products are actually compounds and if enough of those lighter compounds depart you are eventually left with a tar like sludge. All petroleum products are organic and there are also organisms that eat those compounds. Thus the term Bioremediation for spill clean-ups that use those organisms. Open an ancient toolbox and often there is a sour smell that can be detected in the toolbox. That is the organisms at work and another reason why oil needs to be periodically replaced with fresh. So even a light oil lube needs replacing once in awhile.
     
  10. Carl Sowell

    Carl Sowell TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thank you John Moore, excellent, right on ,reply.

    Carl
     
  11. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thank you, John.

    I have found my LaBelle oils to be plenty adequate, and easier than grease to do any cleaning which might be needed, as time passes.
     
  12. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    Nope never used grease.
    Thanks , Mike
     
  13. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    Ditto !!!!
    Mike
     
  14. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

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    How much of this is relevant to a synthetic grease?
     
  15. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    Well go ahead and use grease of any type you see fit.
    Mike
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Those who'd use grease can use it. Those preferring oil are free to do so. Not everyone makes the same choices. Their reasons do not matter.

    Let's move on here! Mike made a nice video, and was kind enough to share it with us. There is no value in spoiling his efforts!
     
    Espeeman likes this.
  17. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    All depends on the composition or the lighter components that keep it viscous. Same thing will happen if those components eventually work out. I support Mike's view on grease and the problem can occur with oil as noted in my post on the doodlebugs. I had overlooked them and they had not been serviced for years much less even run. I have 20 year old MiniTrix 4-6-2s that have been serviced religiously using light oil and they run like new with no sign yet of wear.
     
  18. Snyxxx

    Snyxxx TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you for a very well done video.
     
  19. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    Thanks Synxxx, Mike
     
  20. PROPULDUDE

    PROPULDUDE TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Mike for the very informative video, And thanks John for your very helpful information as well.
     

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