Tip Of The Day – 75

Modelling Tip Of The Day – 75

This Modelling Tip Of The Day is an ongoing series, in which we’ll be posting a modelling tip that may be of use to the newbie right up to the seasoned modeller. Today’s tip is:

Use the correct lubrication

When servicing your models, make sure you use the correct lubrication/grease. Don’t use WD40 or 3 In 1 as these synthetic lubricants can damage plastics used in models and the paintwork. They can also gunk up motors and the gears, as well as softening or making the plastic of drive gears brittle too so are best avoided.

Sewing machine oil is one that was recommended by Tri-Ang & also Hornby. The likes of Bachmann recommend Hob-E-Lube White Grease &  Hob-E-Lube Moly Grease on the worm drive gear. Other model lubrication oils to use are Model Power Gear Lube for gears. Model Power Bearing Lube is ideal for the bearings on the likes of Hornby, Lima Ringfield/Pancake Motor, motor bearings.

On the likes of areas where you have brass wiper type power pickups, for example, contacting the back of loco wheelsets or axles, use an electrolyte type lubrication. This helps give & improve electrical power pick up as well as helping to minimize wear on the brass type wiper pickups. The likes of Peco Lectrolube is one that is ideal for this purpose. Also Look out for multipacks which contain various grease & oil lubrication.

Keeping model lubrications & lubricating grease is an essential item that should be in every modellers loco servicing toolkit.