Berlyn Work Goose lubrication advice please.

Neil Robinson

Neil Robinson

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I've just fixed a Berlyn model of RGS Work Goose number 6.
I've not had any previous experience of these and I'm wondering what advice to give to the owner about lubrication of the chains on the back truck.

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I suspect the prototype had the engine driving one axle only, the drive to the other axle being transmitted via the chains in the photo of the model.
On the model the axles are linked via a drive shaft between a gearbox on both axles, so the chains are purely cosmetic.
I suspect these model chains are fragile and any muck stuck to lubricant on them could cause damage; if so, as they don't transmit any power, would it be best not to use any form of lubricant?
 
What's the chain made of? I'd be inclined to apply a tiny amount of thin oil just to ease things and reduce wear. Much like you have to oil the shafts and gears on the Bachmann Shay although they're all cosmetic too.

Needs to be something thinner than good old "3-in-1"! For things like steam loco rodding and valve gear etc. I still fall back on my trusty old bottle of Fleischmann "Special Oil" that I've had for 30+ years and use on everything from Z gauge upward!
 
You shouldn't put any oil or greas on them, if you feel that they need it some dry PTEF chain lubricant would be the best bet (available from cycle shops).
 
if anything is needed,

then graphite powder definitely
some modern nylon belt plastic, like that in the LGB field locos actually doesnt need lube, as its slick -(but i did lube mine and what happened was the locos became a bit more quiet-there IS a beneficial effect on the FRR locos)

definitely NOT anything oily -only reason is that you dont know how the plastic will react-it could be ruined-either quickly or over time-plastic compatible would likely be fine-it will attract stuff however, if even only lint

grahpite power, (sold in hardware stores as well as hobby shops) is same color, wont attract stuff, and it will make a difference
put a bit of cardstock between the chain and the wheel treads to block the spray of the powder adn confine it to the chain detail, and to avoid a slippery wheel
easily cleaned off too

next option would be teflon powder but its lighter in color but it too works amazingly well
i would think that a bit of graphite would indeed beneficial as those metal sprocket teeth will slide into the chain with less wear
 
Hi
the chain is probably made of Acetal which appears not need lubrication, but graphite or a dry Teflon based lubricant should not hurt.
Mick
 
I use graphite powder on my No6 and No2 geese
 
They are standard Delrin chains as used on O and G1 diesel loco power bogies found under most kit built loco's. They are quite resilient and have good clearences so are not to needy for oil. Either a very light oil like clock oil or as others have said a dry powder lubricant would be fine. I have been using them for about 25 years now and never had an issue yet!
Cheers
Rob
 
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