Back a few weeks I had a rpoblem with one of my point motors (LGB), the moving parts wouldn't mesh properly. Eventually got it to work OK, awful fiddle, and so far no trouble. I probably ought to know this, but should I be using some sort of lube, oil or grease, to facilitate this moving operation?
Point operation - lube
- Thread starter Glengrant
- Start date
Keep the working parts clear of dirt and debris, and if you do use a lubricant, ensure it is one that is safe to use on plastics....
Dust and grit stick to oils. Might be better dry or use a graphite powder.
They seem dry from the factory.
They seem dry from the factory.
I just put a very small single drop of the red LGB stuff on the pivot screw and the sliding plate.
Seems to improve the movement
Seems to improve the movement
in my experience with both the spring and electric switch mechanisms-
-clean clean clean-i use a toothbrush and liquid dish detergent
the dry them
a bit of oil on the spring to keep it nice-if it has one
second as noted-graphite powder
third has LGB has recommended -clean those metal plates underneath on which the points slide-and a touch of oil at the pin hinges near the frog on the underside-
-clean clean clean-i use a toothbrush and liquid dish detergent
the dry them
a bit of oil on the spring to keep it nice-if it has one
second as noted-graphite powder
third has LGB has recommended -clean those metal plates underneath on which the points slide-and a touch of oil at the pin hinges near the frog on the underside-
wd40 - sometimes give um a clean first if they are clogged with dirt and depris
bobg said:One thing about WD40..........it doesn't shift the pigeon poo from my points!
You need a shotgun for that.
For the longest time it NO NO NO Oil. I can see where oil would attract dirt in the switch motor. I do wonder about oiling the two brass slides however. I try to keep mine clean and dry. The problem with oiling them is the ridge that is in the center. There is no way oil is going to stay up there voluntarily.
I use a silicone lube as it drys and leaves no sticky film to attract dirt on things of a small nature that need "unsticking" and "protecting"....
I use this one from supercheap Wynns but any of them would be ok.....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wynns-Silicone-Lube-Dry-500ml/dp/B002J979RW < Link To http://www.amazon.co.uk/W...ry-500ml/dp/B002J979RW
Don't spray anything you don't want to slip so keep it away from drive wheels but on points and other sliding things its great.....
I use this one from supercheap Wynns but any of them would be ok.....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wynns-Silicone-Lube-Dry-500ml/dp/B002J979RW < Link To http://www.amazon.co.uk/W...ry-500ml/dp/B002J979RW
Don't spray anything you don't want to slip so keep it away from drive wheels but on points and other sliding things its great.....
WD 40 for me as well, as I've mentioned before (as have others) WD isn't a Lubricant, it's a Water Dispersal agent hence WD but it does a fine job of cleaning the points and seems to work for a long time!