Does anyone know if Liquid Bearings, a synthetic oil, is better than the standard oil we get with our Bachmann locomotives? The seller claims regular oil leaves a residue behind that eventually actually “gums up” locomotive parts instead of lubricating them.
There was a lot of talk at the Cincinnati convention about what oil to use, this was between dealers and manufacturers. The discussion finally came to "why buy these small tubes of oil when for around $5.00 you can buy a can of Mobil synthetic oil that is plastic compatible. It has everything you need for keeping plastic of brass gears lubricated.
This will work especially good on the Bachmann Gandy dancer.
Who do you think has more R&D in their product: Mobil corporation, or the guy who prints the liquid bearings labels on his inkjet printer at home and fills the bottles himself with who knows what?
Lots of “stories” about magic oils.
Greg
For all you know, those little bottles are full of Mobil Synthetic?
Okay, then.
You are tellin’ me there are snake oil salesmen in our wonderful Hobby?
Say it ain’t so!
It’s funny, I would never fall for that in my own line of work, but in my hobby I guess I’m gullible…but the description sounds so, well, so darn “logical”!
I have been using ‘Liquid Bearings’ since I first saw the listings on eBay around five or so years ago. I recommend the product with one reservation. Unlike other oils used, this oil seems to ‘wick’ to areas where not applied. This can cause an issue with say a motor bearing where a drop or two is applied and the oil wicks to the commutator.
I have noticed no plastic disintegration since using for some years and must assume the item is plastic compatible (and a very good lubricant).
Tim
Tim Brien said:
I have been using ‘Liquid Bearings’ since I first saw the listings on eBay around five or so years ago. I recommend the product with one reservation. Unlike other oils used, this oil seems to ‘wick’ to areas where not applied. This can cause an issue with say a motor bearing where a drop or two is applied and the oil wicks to the commutator.
I have noticed no plastic disintegration since using for some years and must assume the item is plastic compatible (and a very good lubricant).
Tim
Tim, I’m not trying to be a smart aleck, but would Mobil (or whatever brand) synthetic motor oil work well?
Greg Elmassian said:
Who do you think has more R&D in their product: Mobil corporation, or the guy who prints the liquid bearings labels on his inkjet printer at home and fills the bottles himself with who knows what?
Lots of “stories” about magic oils.
Greg
Actually…if Liquid Bearings works like Tim says it does, I think I’d rather give my ten bucks to a home-run small business than to Mobil or Exxon.
John Passaro said:
Tim, I’m not trying to be a smart aleck, but would Mobil (or whatever brand) synthetic motor oil work well?
John,
I am not familiar with the properties of Mobil 1. A forum member, I believe Wendell Hanks, has mentioned several times that Mobil 1 is used as a lubricant for model trains.
I believe that the ‘famous’ LGB grease is nothing more than repackaged bulk automotive grease.
I have had no issues with Liquid Bearings, but as stated it does tend to wick to areas not directly applied to. It also feels very much more ‘oily’ than hobby lubes.
I bought a Mobil One oil 15w-85 and a can of gear grease, both synthetic and both a lot more than $5.00. But have performed well, and I have a lifetime supply for relatively little cost.
Barry