Lubricating locos

R

RH Prague

Central European. the station pub is Czech !!
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After the helpful advice received in my thread on my Rugen, I'm still a bit puzzled about "best practice" for lubricating locos, and I thought this thread might help others like me who are unsure, and technically inadequate :D

The "World of LGB" book says "The axle bearings and drive rod ends of LGB locomotives should be lubricated occasionally with a small amount of 50019 Maintenance oil".

Well that's what I did, using the LGB dispenser, and I was aware of the need not to overdo it, but it still seems I might have done so. The questions in my mind are

- "Occasionally"; once a year at the beginning of the season?
- Do you agree with where, according to the book, the oil should be applied? Actually could somebody help me with exactly what (where) they mean by "drive rod ends"?
- How much is "a small amount"? I assumed one drop on each axle bearing, next to each wheel.

I expect most of you will be aghast that someone has a functioning G scale railway and still has to ask such a question, which I guess is a testimony to how accessible the hobby is to all levels of technical expertise :-) However I have noticed that quite often the majority view on this forum has been different to that propagated in 'the World of LGB", most notably regarding track cleaning!
 
There is never a problem with asking, even basic advice as we all started there at some time!

This is a piece of string type of question really.
If you run your locos a lot, then their lubrication will be more frequent.
If you run them a couple of times a week for a few hours then moderate lubrication every couple of months during the running season will be totally fine.
If you use them nearly every day or have very extended running periods, then it would be good to check them every couple of weeks (or more if you live in a very hot climate).

It is also good to clean off the old oil if it has gone really black, with isopropyl alcohol once a season. then re-oil. This clears out any crud, or grit which may be clinging to the 'claggy' oil

Having said this, some people oil once and then never again!
 
Put as simply as possible, if the bearing is wet, with clean oil, that is all that is required for the longest possible life. Attaining that state, may be a little more 'hit and miss' and will depend on local conditions.
 
beavercreek said:
This is a piece of string type of question really.
Click to expand...

Indeed, and much depends on the environment in which you run.

I think it fair to say that if you don't lubricate the wear rate will increase.
However if you do lubricate and the lubricant attracts abrasive particles such as sand and grit the wear rate will increase!

If the lubricant attracts the carbon dust produced by motor brushes as they wear there's a good chance of electrical problems.
 
How big is a drop?
The drip from the end of a dispenser is actually quite a lot. I used to use a thin piece of wire. Dip it in the oil and touch to the bearing - that seems to be enough.
 
Generally, I find it best not to lubricate very often and then sparingly. Too much oil and grease does more damage than too little.
 
Agreed Steve.
 
On the rods I use a 'dropper' (fine syringe) and on the axles a droplet on a strand of fine fuse wire but even this can be too much and needs wiping away.
 
How different from our own well-lubricated world of live steam. ;) Seriously though, I´ve watching this thread for tips for my battery-powered locos.
 
At a LGB maintenance clinic given by the LGBOA, I was told that half a drop was all that was needed on the axles.

In other words, as little as possible/
 
KandNWLR said:
How different from our own well-lubricated world of live steam. ;) Seriously though, I´ve watching this thread for tips for my battery-powered locos.
Click to expand...
Actually I think many people over-oil the motion of their live steam loco too. If run on a dry day the dust in the air mixes with the oil and forms a grinding paste causing the more wear.
 
I seem to spend more time REMOVING lubrication, than putting it on..
Either owners oil too much, or the grease breaks down, releasing oil, which contaminates the bullets, and pickups in the motor block.
I then find the loco is only getting power from one axle/skate per side. - This rather then picking up down the complete train on each side.

I have not, as yet, found a really fool-proof way of degreasing these areas, unfortunately.
 
Richard,
What is meant by:-

Actually could somebody help me with exactly what (where) they mean by "drive rod ends"?

Is where any part Rotates with a part that touches it. Also any part that moves in and out or along. So run you Locomotive Slowly, look at where there are any parts that move and touch another part and that is where you need to lubricate.

Hope this helps.
JonD
 
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