All of my locomotives are probably well past warranty stage. Many of them have been in storage a long time.

I now have a couple of non-runners, slow-runners, and spastic runners.

So, whether I ever want to see them go roundy-round again, or sell them, I must take the dive into N-scale surgery.

I've recently purchased a soldering iron, a tweezers set, a set of hobby -size tool kit.

 I think I have what I need tool-wise.

Now, I just need courage.

Tell me your wisdoms!

Number 1 is always identify the true root cause issue before heading off in the wrong direction with unnecessary tinkering that does more harm tham good. Treat the Cause not the Symptoms...
Is it mechanical or electrical? Often as not, all thats actually needed is a good clean and maybe (sparingly) lubrication...

Probably beneficial if you give a bit more detail case by case - what loco, Symptoms etc.

What PLD says,

But I would add when you do pop something apart take it slow and try and start small. Its a wonder what a good cleaning can do.

This isn't UK locos, but I really enjoy this chap from Quebec, he does some great repairs and maintenance vids and has a very calm and quiet way about how he approaches things.  So maybe not for the specific loco's but very much for the approach


A lot of his older videos are N scale but its worth having a look through them

Good luck!

G.

Hello Scott

Poor running is common (usual) after locos have been used for many years. Mike Fifer (Fifer Hobbies) tells us that a major reason is that components of the oil and grease in locomotive bearings evaporate with time and lose their slipperiness leading to poor running. Here is what Mike has to say about lubing models: Very good clip in my opinion.


https://youtu.be/AlcdWhe6hn4

As with Grumbeast's suggestion, this is North American, but should apply largely to UK stuff too if that is what you are wanting to treat.

Of course, PLD is quite correct. One should be looking for possible simple causes of the problem first such as dirty wheels. Whatever you do, your locomotives will run better with clean wheels and lubricated bearings.

Webbo

Quote from: Webbo on January 20, 2026, 03:48:02 AMHello Scott

Poor running is common (usual) after locos have been used for many years. Mike Fifer (Fifer Hobbies) tells us that a major reason is that components of the oil and grease in locomotive bearings evaporate with time and lose their slipperiness leading to poor running. Here is what Mike has to say about lubing models: Very good clip in my opinion.


https://youtu.be/AlcdWhe6hn4

As with Grumbeast's suggestion, this is North American, but should apply largely to UK stuff too if that is what you are wanting to treat.

Of course, PLD is quite correct. One should be looking for possible simple causes of the problem first such as dirty wheels. Whatever you do, your locomotives will run better with clean wheels and lubricated bearings.

Webbo

Thanks everyone! Great info.