I run my fleet of locomotives on a regular basis around my branch line layout at scale speeds  .That is ............pretty slowly to re-create realistic speeds.
However, is it a good idea to run my locos (perhaps light engine) at fast speeds once in a while in order to improve performance and keep them in good condition ?

If anything I would suggest that slow running is better, virtually all motors run better at higher speeds but that's no good to us modellers - slow running is the 'holy grail' of the modellers world and if your loco's run more often at slower speeds this will only improve their performance. 

It wont do any harm but i dont think its really needed. None of mine get run fast so and there isnt any problem. One thing i would say is be careful of them drying out if they arent used for a while as you can get right spots and get premature cog failures (it happens in a week as opposed to a month  ).

When running in from new i run slow at first then build up to half power, varying the power and direction every 10 minutes adding a before running and then after half an hour. After an hour (half hour in each direction) it should be pretty much run in. Doing that method certainly helped a few 73s run better.

Richard

 May I just ask as I am about to run in 2 locos later this week-should I lightly lube before I run?as I reckon  these have been on shelf for sometime knowing this place.can you use sewing machine oil? Or do I need special oil.thanks for that.

I'd go for Dapoil (by Dapol)  or another light specialist oil.

Yes i would. A light sewing machine oil would be fine. I personally use the mgr oil on my mechs and never have a problem. To apply i use a small jewellers screwdriver dipped in to the oil with just enough on so i will remain without dripping off.

Richard

Thanks for that,reason I ask is that it might be hard to get here as hardly anywhere for train supplies.will see what my local hobby shop-125kms away has when I pick up train on Thursday.

One more thing avoid anything like peco electrolube or equivilant as that will cause trouble. I know woodland scenics do some but i cant coment on quality.

Richard

i'm guessing that most of us leave our trains in their boxes for quite a long time inbetween running sessions...  probably doesn't help performance and they can dry out...


tim

Quote from: B757-236GT on August 17, 2013, 10:32:10 PM
One more thing avoid anything like peco electrolube or equivilant as that will cause trouble. I know woodland scenics do some but i cant coment on quality.

Richard

what's the problem with electrolube ?

if it's not suitable for lubricating, is it usefull for any other tasks ?

alan

As I am in the habit of playing trains rather than getting on with the layout  I try and run all of my locos in rotation (no - I don't mean round and round).
If they haven't been run for a while I give them a light lubing with a Gaugemaster GM619 precision oiler, not forgetting the motion on steamers

Quote from: class37025 on August 17, 2013, 11:04:45 PM
what's the problem with electrolube ?

Its really too thick for small motors and mechanisms such as those used in modern N. Farish used and recommended Daywat - which is a fine machine oil used for things like sewing machines.

Quote from: EtchedPixels on August 17, 2013, 11:51:19 PM

Quote from: class37025 on August 17, 2013, 11:04:45 PM
what's the problem with electrolube ?

Its really too thick for small motors and mechanisms such as those used in modern N. Farish used and recommended Daywat - which is a fine machine oil used for things like sewing machines.

Hi Alan,
many thanks for that.

I must admit to using a hair clipper oil on mine, started to use it on my US outline HO locos many years ago after reading about it in, IIRC, Model Railroader.

I think it's made by Whal or some such, lasts so long I've not needed to buy any for ages.

cheers

alan

Having taken so long to get my new layout to a reasonable running state I realised a lot of my engines have been 'stored' for up to a year at least, so I did a big running session last night to give them at least a few circuits each.

Also gave me a chance to note which ones are going to need some maintenance work.

I use an oil I got from Lychett manor models last year at TINGS. It's good stuff and lasts a long time, I think it pretty close to daywat oil. Just a drop is all that's needed, over oiling will cause more problems than it solves (except for Dapol loco's which seem to need as much as my car! ).