Large Scale Central

Shay Gear Grease - What to Use?

General Discussion
#1

I have a canister of Bachmann’s EZ-Lube Gear Grease (kind of pink) that I bought a couple of years ago. I seem to remember that it was relatively thick and now it’s sort of runny.

I was getting ready to lube my Shay’s gears and was wondering if this thinning is normal or am I not remembering correctly and it is actually this runny viscosity? I have seen a couple of other threads that discuss similar behavior. Considering what these trucks cost I certainly do not wish to improperly grease them.

Any experiences with this behavior or other recommendations would be much appreciated. I’ve searched the forums and found multiple threads and most people seem to recommend LaBelle and LGB 51020.

Thanks, Mark

Cross posted to MLS.

#2

Mark,
I have used LGB grease for a long time.
No complaints here.

#3

Mark-
Consider using any name brand synthetic automotive grease and oil.
For me, the grease choice for the RR gears is Mobile One synthetic grease used for wheel bearings, etc.
The product is plastic compatible and is certainly much less expensive than the plastic compatible LGB, LeBelle, and Bachmann products. The eight dollar can will last you years.
For lubing the wheel journals, etc., Mobil One 15/30 wt. automotive oil is fine. It is also a synthetic.
Both products are used at the gigantic California, Palm Desert’s Living Desert Museum outdoor railroad. I frequently lube some 40 of the running locomotives with both products – and the wheel axle journals of the rolling stock.

Hope this is helpful.

Wendell

#4

Mark,

Some grease has a tendency to ‘separate’ after they have set for long periods of time. Sometimes stirring the mixture will help…

I have used Labelle oil and grease lubricates for many years and had good results. Recently, I decided to upgrade to Mobil 1 synthetic oil and grease which maintains viscosity at varying temperatures. Mobil 1 oil and grease is also compatible with plastics and nylon.

I concur with Wendell…

There are YouTube videos produced by Bachmann that are also very helpful to review.

Jerry

#5

Use Lebelle heavy gear lube

#6
Thanks to all for their replies.
  
I've see a couple of sites state that PIKO gear Grease is a replacement for the discontinued LGB 51020.  Anyone have any experience with this?
#7

Mark and all-
My prejudice for buying other than LGB, PIKO, Bachmann, LaBelle, comes from knowing that ALL of those products are simply synthetic oils and greases compatible with plastic.
The big revelation was hearing from one of LGB’s management team prior to Marklin’s ownership, that the LGB lube oil was, in fact, transmission oil. Yes, German transmission oil package in little tiny containers for considerable profit.

In addition to Mobil One, there are other synthetics to choose from – Valvoline for one and LubriPlate for another. If non-“dino” oil, then they are synthetics in various weights. I like the 15/30 Mobil One and the Mobile One bearing grease.

Check the Large Scale Central postings on the synthetic oils as alternatives to the pricey hobby industry packaging. Mark, the tread is worth a read.

Wendell

#8

I do the same as Wendall. And a quart of Mobile One and a tub of plastic compatable grease goes a long ways!

#9

Back in 1984 I bought an unopened ten-pound tub of lithium-based grease of the kind used by my local Shakespear fishing equipment dealer to grease up spinning reels. It was a fire sale as they were closing down, and the guy took a £5 note for it.

I use it on -

  1. Three black powder revolvers.

  2. Three Swiss rifles.

  3. ALL my sparky geared models on the exposed gears and in the gearboxes.

  4. ALL my sparky rod and dismal models inside.

  5. Just about anything else that needs a grease of that clingy, long-lubing quality.

I figure that if I re-packed what is left into LGB-sized containers I could make maybe $1800-2000 easy.

tac, ig, ken the GTF and the Alconbury Packer Boys