Servicing/Lubrication- LGB

C

CoggesRailway

Registered
While fixing up my loco this afternoon it occured to me that the grease may have seen better days. I have three LGB locos 2 from the 80's and I think have had years and years of inactivity. They all run fine, but could gears be dry etc? Or are the zero maintainence.
 
People have different views on grease maintenance. But at that age I would suggest that the grease has dried out rather. A small amount fresh grease on the gears would be a god idea. Clean off the old (probably brown) stuff and recoat. Dont over do it - it can get where its not wanted (inside motors etc).
LGB grease is as good as any - possibly better than some - but you do need a plastic compatible grease - so NO, your car grease will not do. I have used Bachmann grease and was not impressed, it seemed to go watery.
A tube will last you for ever so price isn't really relevant.
 
:) to much grease kills the motors.. and yes it can go "off" over time, normally, if yuo open a gearboxs up, u find 90% off the grease is down the sides off the gears, and its gone dark brown, old , ... and 10% is on the gears, still in good shape, if its in for repairs, id remove the excess, ad a VERY small blob off lgb gear grease... :) but i wouldnt strip a loco just to check the grease
 
From my Experience with LGB Mechs over the years I would be quite frugal with lubrication, over lubricating doesnt improve performance, AND it can affect power transmission from the wheels/skates as excess oil or grease can insulated the contact points on the carbon brush holders behind the wheels and tops of the skate assembly, these contact points transfer the current onward to the PCBs etc.

I have bought brand new locos which have had problems immediately on running, due to over lubrication at the factory!
To say othing of S/H purchases where previous owners have over lubricated :o :o
 
<p>
mike - 14/11/2009 7:17 PM :) to much grease kills the motors.. and yes it can go "off" over time, normally, if yuo open a gearboxs up, u find 90% off the grease is down the sides off the gears, and its gone dark brown, old , ... and 10% is on the gears, still in good shape, if its in for repairs, id remove the excess, ad a VERY small blob off lgb gear grease... :) but i wouldnt strip a loco just to check the grease
Click to expand...
</p><p>Thanks for that advice Mike, I'll store that away</p>
 
i have found that with several of my purchase of very old NOS engines -
the old grease is not only pushed off the gears but quite rubbery
and
that performance is improved with fresh lgb grease-seems to smooth out running and often reduces noise a tad-

and while i know it is NOT recommended -with some old grease-where i cannot fully and easily access and clean-say on those engines with the sound 'plates' in the gear box-and also on the US 2-4-0 which has idlers,

not only have i added a touch of new grease but sometimes a single drop of the red LGB lube-which helps the older grease (and new unfortunately) to soften and spead

agree that less is more, and i have taken to using graphite powder for running gear and anything else exposed to the elements as it does not attract grit and stuff
 
I once aquired - on the good o'l s/h market, a stainz that had been over lubricated - it appeared that the locomotive had been dipped into what could only be described as castrol.

To it's credit it did still run, albeit at 5% of the usual speed. The sound unit still worked as well - though only the no-fast-enough-for-a-proper-chuff sound was made..

(don't worry, sent it back for a refund!)
 
Some modern environmentally friendly grease has a pathetic shelf life as it is water based and dries out! A tiny smear is always best as it lubricates but doesn't build up where it will cause problems later if the loco isn't used regularly and it also is less of a crap trap for all the bits of dirt and plastic flash that come off the other bits of the drive train.
An easy source of plastic friendly grease is the stuff designed for radio control cars like tamiya and I get it in a syringe that makes it easy to get it on the teeth without loads of waste and also it gets into the tight spots easily.
 
PaulRhB said:
Some modern environmentally friendly grease has a pathetic shelf life as it is water based and dries out! A tiny smear is always best as it lubricates but doesn't build up where it will cause problems later if the loco isn't used regularly and it also is less of a crap trap for all the bits of dirt and plastic flash that come off the other bits of the drive train.
An easy source of plastic friendly grease is the stuff designed for radio control cars like tamiya and I get it in a syringe that makes it easy to get it on the teeth without loads of waste and also it gets into the tight spots easily.
Click to expand...

If anyone wants a decent grease that has the following properties.....try Super Lube.
I get mine from RS, it comes in a squeezy tube.

Synthetic
Has PTFE
Can use on all plastics
10 year shelf life
repels moisture
enviromentally friendly.
etc

I have used it on gears and all my rolling stock bearing journals.
 
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