Running in - lubrication or not?

[NOE 544R]

Hi all,

Been out the hobby for a while and have recently purchased some new models (farish). The gears appear to be lubricated already but wanted to check if they need additional lubrication for running in?

Appreciate this might be a stupid question so apologies in advance!

[ntpntpntp]

Follow the instructions that come with the loco  

It is important not to over-lubricate, but a new model may have been sitting in its box for some time so manufacturers usually recommend you do.

I seem to recall Dapol used to say apply a little lube to free up and help any factory grease to spread around.

[NOE 544R]

Follow the instructions that come with the loco  

It is important not to over-lubricate, but a new model may have been sitting in its box for some time so manufacturers usually recommend you do.

I seem to recall Dapol used to say apply a little lube to free up and help any factory grease to spread around.

First thing did was read the instructions, simply states "lubricate when required"! Not much help 

The model seems to be running fine without additional lubricant so I'll assume all is sound!

Thanks 

[jpendle]

Read the instructions, but as a rule of thumb Dapol say to lightly lubricate the exposed gears.
Farish do not recommend any lubrication.

Regards,

John P

[Dr Al]

First rule of oiling:

"Oil should be felt but never seen". Less is more. None is often better. I increasingly never oil unless actually seen to be needed. This 'must be oiled prior to running' I've increasingly come to the opinion is frankly garbage in my experience of Dapol over the last 15 years, for example. I've seen more models have their running destroyed and need resultant strip down and tidy up because of this than any obvious benefit.

For example, I'm currently repairing models for an esteemed forum member, and unnecessary oiling has been the cause of at least one faults. Last week I did 4 others, 3 of which were completely dead due to excess oiling. Fortunately they were all recovered, but needed the model equivalent of open heart surgery in two cases. 

Indeed I've seen that some operators of large systems such as McKinley Railway ( worth a watch youtube.com/channel/UCKvawmRzbSSEvEZzq4hfzmA ) *NEVER* oil anything unless an actual problem indicates it is absolutely necessary. With the scale of this system it's understandable - cleaning all that track ..... 

Cheers,
Alan

[DC Pullmans]

When you follow the instructions then see the good advice telling you not to

"This 'must be oiled prior to running' I've increasingly come to the opinion is frankly garbage"

Luckily the new loco runs beautifully, far slower and smoother than almost anything else I have. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

[icairns]

I agree with Dr Al about only lightly lubricating a loco if it seems to need it.

However, when lubrication is necessary, I have often wondered whether to lubricate the gears with a light oil (such as Daywat or similar) or a micro-gear grease such as Labelle 106 (https://labelle-lubricants.com/shop/labelle-106-grease-with-ptfe/).

Any opinions on this?

Ian

[ntpntpntp]

@icairns I've been using Labelle 106 for gears for some time now. I think it's a better choice than thin oil.

[Dr Al]

Grease has the plus that it will not easily get sprayed from the gears. However, I've always found that greased locos have a lot of 'sticktion' - and this can notably increase the current draw via its extra drag.

As such, I often remove all factory grease, and lubricate with finer oil if needed. I think therefore the response is that if grease is used it must be done in the most absolute minimal quantities, as if there's more drag because of the grease then it's negative in benefit.

Cheers,
Alan

[ntpntpntp]

If locos are "sticky" due to grease then clearly there's far too much been applied, and yes it all needs to be cleaned out. I've had factory new locos with big gobbets present, in the worst cases all over the pickup wiper pads.   

Only needs the tiniest amount on the tip of a pin applied to one gear or to the worm, then run slowly at first to distribute through the geartrain.  I like the Labelle 106, it's not too thick but just enough to do its job, doesn't creep where not required or fly off at high speeds.