Bought my first Dapol loco - Western - looks good but still in box.
I was surprised to see I had to oil it before running or warranty void- and lo and behold the oil can cost £6 -£7 for a small bottle, for something needing just a few dabs.
Not had this was other loco purchases.
Any recommendations as to cheaper purchase or should I just grit my teeth and purchase? And - yes - I won't use sewing machine oil or any petroleum based product
I use the following as it has a needle applicator. Cheap it's not, but it does go a long way!
Basically, if you can see the oil you've applied, you applied too much.
Source it where you wish
https://www.newmodellersshop.co.uk/gaugemaster/gm619_precision_lubricator.htm?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg8nv9qbdgwMVv4tQBh3qWAK8EAQYAiABEgIE8_D_BwE
Thanks that's very helpful. will follow up
I prefer to use PTFE grease for gears, for example Labelle 106. I'll use a thin plastic-safe oil for things like coupling rod pins, motor bearings etc.
Avoid getting lubricant on the bearings of wheels which pick up and transfer power via the axles, it'll turn to mud and need a total strip down and clean out to remove it.
These little bottles and lubes of lubricant available for modelling will last for years because you need so little. I still have a Fleischmann "special oil" bottle with needle applicator which dates from the 1980s.