cleaning &maintaining locomotives

[T]

Here's one thing I would never use to clean or lubricate a locomotive ... it seems that there are some who use this for engine lubricant , I heard of someone using wd40 to lubricate a loco on fb -facebook- . Anyone care to comment?

WD40 as a lubricant? - Model Railroader Magazine - Model Railroading, Model Trains, Reviews, Track Plans, and Forums


Tom

[Packer]

Actually works better for cleaning wheels than alcohol (for me at least)

[PVRR 2647]

For me the items I use are as follows: Wheels, Wahl clipper oil. Trucks and Driveline, Dawn dish washing liquid. Motor Commutator, Electrical contact cleaner, applied to the end of a micro applicator, not sprayed on the motor! I then polish with 6000 grit sandpaper rinse and repeat. Although not a locomotive, I use the 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean the track, I save the 91% stuff for stripping paint. This is the first time I have heard of using WD40 for anything related to model railroads. I'm not sure I would try it either, I don't have any WD40 around I use Kano Kroil, I find it works much better.

PVRR2647

[CP_8530]

Better off using a plastic-safe oil like one of Labelle's fine products. Certain petrolium-based oils can attack model plastics (Vaseline comes to mind).

[PVRR 2647]

MrDan!~

Funny you should mention Labelle, I mix their 108 oil and graphite powder to make a paste that I use to lubricate gear assemblies in the trucks. I picked up this method on youtube several years ago, it works great! I use this paste on all of my motive power now.

PVRR2647