Large Scale Central

Lubrication: LGB and others

General Discussion
#1

In a previous posting, the lack of lubrication in brand-new locos was discussed.
While repetitive to a previous posting I made, I offer again the success from using Mobil 1 motor oil and Mobil 1 grease on plastic parts , e.g. LGB/Aristo/Bachman/USA loco gears, wheel journals, etc.
The heaviest oil I can get here in Southern Calif., is Mobil 1 in 10/30 weight. I works fine.
The grease is simply labeled Mobil 1
The MAIN point is these products are plastic compatible because they are synthetic. Other brands of synthetic oil and grease would certainly fit this criteria.
I have lubed hundreds of locos and wheel journals at the Living Desert gigantic outdoor “G” railroad display. The MOBIL 1 products work fine – and in particular on any NEW loco that comes in. All get lubrication and need it.

Your experience?

Wendell

#2

Careful, not all synth oils and not all plastics are the same. This issue has gone around in the car forums for years.

http://www.nyelubricants.com/pdf/1nyeplasticcomp.pdf

Also, LGB used Luran S and later Ultraform and Ultramid, the gearboxes wee made with the last one, a polyamide, often used in industrial and automotive application, along with the other plastics listed.

Not sure what the other brands of lage scale choo choos are using, but an automotive polymer may give a different resistance vs a normal polystyrene?

edit have changed to give…

#3

Garret-
Good contribution and caution. Thank you.
The only data I have is my experience over two years and that of former LGB manager, Ron Gibson. Ron stated he used Mobil 1 oil for years with his LGB and USA products. Apparently, no problems, UNLESS the problems have yet to surface. Beyond that, I have no further data other than this anecdotal evidence.

Any further insights from other readers? Anyone know the composition of LGB/Aristo/Bachmann/USA plastics and that of Mobil 1 synthetic oil and negative effects, if any?

Consider the cost of LGB’s grease (list $14 a tube!) and LaBelle’s excellent oil (list $5) and there is reason to explore this subject.

Your experience??
Wendell

#4

Yes, I would hate to have someone drag “other brand” train to the shed and have some other end result… It may or may not happen?

#5

To all:
What is your experience with synthetic lubes – as opposed to using just LGB’s lube-in-a-tube expense?

#6

I have used the LGB lubes , oil and grease , on my LGB equiptment for 12 years now without a failure , so far .
Is there better lubes and cheaper lubes , without a doubt there are , I myself just do not want to do the research and testing to find out , which ones are better and safe on the material involved .