Clean your locomotives
George Dent clears the dust and debris out of some long-stored motive power and treats it to a service and an oil change.
George clears the dust out of some motive power and gives it a service.
Model locomotives are miniature, precision-made machines and they require regular servicing to ensure that they perform correctly. Moving parts such as gears and drive shafts will eventually wear out unless they’re properly lubricated. Oils and greases do not last forever: models that run on a regular basis are at risk of the lubricants becoming life-expired, while the oil may dry out in those left in store for long periods. Moreover, dirt is readily picked up from dusty layouts, being captured by sticky lubricants and drawn into the mechanism. Power contacts can also become clogged with dirt or contaminated with leaking oil, seriously impairing performance. A full strip-down of motor and gears is only required in extreme cases, with most servicing possible by removing access plates on the chassis and bogies only. Be sure to read your locomotive’s service sheet for details of where and how often to lubricate parts. If you’ve lost the instructions, they can generally be downloaded free from manufacturer’s websites.
USE THE RIGHT OIL
Choosing the correct oil and grease is important. Thin, penetrating oils are ideal for axle and motor bearings, while electrically conductive oils, such as Peco’s Power Lube, reduce friction on power contacts. Worms, gear wheels and universal joints, on the other hand, require a thicker, more tenacious grease that will stay put as the parts rotate at high speed. We also need to check that an oil or grease is compatible with plastics and painted finishes. Using the right amount of lubricant is also imperative, as an excess can have a negative effect on performance and lead to spillage onto wheels, contacts and rails. Cleaning agents are available for motors and gears, while most track-cleaning agents are also suitable for treating wheels and power contacts. As for the bodywork, a sweep with a large, soft-bristled brush is usually enough to clear any dust and debris. However, for more stubborn stains or greasy fingerprints, a mild formula of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) will prove effective. Check that it’s safe for use on painted surfaces, with a number of brands now offered for use on models. I employ a 70% formula, produced by Medea, that’s aimed at nail and body artists, which is safe for models and human skin. A single application with a clean paintbrush, wiping the surface dry with cotton swabs, is often enough for general dirt. For heavy oil deposits, however, the process may need to be repeated a few times.