How to Lubricate Model Trains
Lubricating your model trains is a part of the maintenance process when it comes to engine performance. In order to ensure your trains are working in top condition, you must take the time to clean and lubricate the interior every so often. Without regular maintenance, the existing lubricant can solidify and affect the performance.
Things You Will Need:
- Screwdriver
- Brush
- Toothpick
- Tweezers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Model lubricant
- Remove the hardware from the bottom of the model train. This consists of the screws and plastic tabs that hold the shell in place. Use a screwdriver and your fingers to remove these connectors so you have direct access to the interior of your model trains.
- Dust away the dirt with a small brush. Make sure that you use short strokes and do not go back and forth as this can damage the interior parts if done too rigorously.
- Remove grime that is stuck in between the hard-to-reach places with a sharp object, such as a toothpick. If you need to grasp pieces in order to remove them, use a pair of tweezers to get to the places you need to reach.
- Wipe off the interior pieces with rubbing alcohol. Use a cloth on the larger pieces and cotton swabs on the smaller pieces that require detail to clean effectively.
- Apply the lubricant to the newly cleaned pieces. These interior pieces include all of the bearings as well as the gear shaft.
- Secure the shell back into place and connect all of the hardware pieces.