Hi all,
I just opened a new train as I jump back into Model RR after about a 35 year absence. I've done a lot of reading and am excited to start building upon what I've acquired. That said, I ran into a little hiccup. I don't think it's serious, but was curious what the experts would say.
Upon opening the package, I found a bottle of clear liquid. I couldn't figure out if it was a lubricant or liquid smoke. The package contents did not state, and it felt like a it might be a lube so I put a drop on all the axles.
Had I turned the page one more time, I would have seen that it was actually liquid smoke. Having no pride whatsoever (ok, not true, but screwups like this don't really phase me), I thought I'd ask if it would be okay to run the train a few hours as is (most of the liquid has been removed) until I can get a light oil to put back on.
I've already waited a week to put this together and had hoped to get it up for in the morning.
Thanks.
-BT.
You might end up with a scale "hotbox". :o :D
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_box
Hot boxes are from a bygone era. I saw one lighting up the Frisco yard in Amory MS one night back in 1964.
I believe this stuff has an oil base anyway, so "re-applying" a compatible lubricant will probably take cafre of things. That said, just put it on the track, and apply a little power to it. Just take your time until you are confident the problem has been taken care of.
Rich C.
I was trying to figure out how to wire a sensor up to check for the hotbox. Then realized melting plastic would be its own give-away. :D
I did wipe down the trucks and reapplied a drop of light oil I had in my tool bag.
Out of curiosity, does anybody tune their trucks in any way (aside from an occasional drop of oil)? Some of the wheels roll freely and some don't. I'll take a spin through the forums to see if the question has been asked before.
Regards.
-BT.
you can buy a truck tuner tool that reams out the journals. with this tool you can get any wheelset to roll freely. this tool is only for use on plastic trucks, though it will work with metal wheelsets.
Traveler,
I like your idea of using a trackside heat sensor as a hotbox detector. Don't know if the condition would ever develop on a model railroad to trip one of these, but it would be very prototypical, as this is how the detectors used on the actual railroads work. You should be able to test it using an incandescent bulb, such as a grain-of-wheat bulb.
Les
Blues Traveler, on which truck/wheels did you apply lube? Trucks/wheels on cars or locos or both?
An aside ---
* HO Rolling stock *
Normally the trucks on a Tender, any freight or passenger car will need lubrication. If the rare need does occur, then use only a dry graphite lubricant -- no oils or grease. If needed, use the dry graphite lubricant in the coupler box.
hunt not to quibble but didn't you mean to say that trucks normally do NOT require lubrication. because this has been my experience.
Edit
* HO Rolling stock *
Normally the trucks on a Tender, any freight or passenger car will not need lubrication. If the rare need does occur, then use only a dry graphite lubricant -- no oils or grease. If needed, use the dry graphite lubricant in the coupler box.
thanks hunt, I figured it was a misprint.
As an SOP, I do-graphite. As they say; an ounce of prevention...
Rich C.
The plastic used to make trucks has little surface friction. Only if the surface is damaged should a dry graphite lubricant be used.
Quoten which truck/wheels did you apply lube?
Both. I've gone back and wiped them down. I actually did think about graphite as Hunt suggested, I have some from the kids pinewood derby days. Once the existing mess is dried up, I'll toy with that; we had pretty good experience with the graphite in the model cars. I'm very much treating this new train set as my experimental set. Not emotionally tied to it and I know it was a low end model. If I can bring it up a notch by playing with it, I keep busy and feel accomplished.
Trying to decide on whether to get the MicroMark truck tuner, replace the wheels or just replace the entire truck (or some combination of those options). I know technically I don't need to do any of it, but it seems like something that should be experimented with.
QuoteNormally the trucks on a Tender, any freight or passenger car will not need lubrication.
Thanks, Hunt. I will
NOT be oiling the rolling stock in the future. Some lessons are cheap and easy to remember. :D
-BT.
The reason I had asked the questions, which my esteemed colleagues anticipated, was to say in the future, don't lube the trucks on rolling stock with liquid. You don't really want to lube loco wheels either for that matter, unless it is Conducta Lube in selective spots in very small amounts.
Keep in mind, while the truck tuner is a great tool, don't use it on metal trucks.
What train set is this?
It is the Chattanooga. The giver of this gift didn't pay list.
Now, I'm wondering that since the trucks don't need any lube since they are plastic, should I remove them from the cars and wash them with a degreaser (a la dish soap) to may sure there is nothing to attract dirt, lint etc.?
I don't generally consider myself AR, but I do like to have an SOP for steps that I will repeat and there is a certain amount of comfort in knowing that things are "just so".
On a side note, I've never been able to answer the question, "is anal retentive hyphenated?" :D
-BT.
Found this thread (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30479.0.html). Will proceed accordingly.
Thanks.
-BT.
After removing the trucks and gently cleaning them with warm water and a little dish soap, I rinsed them in running water and then swished them in an alcohol bath. My assistant carefully reattached them.
Once put back, I made the startling discovery that the wheels all now spin pretty freely. My working hypothesis is that the wheels, being fresh from the factory, simply needed to be run a bit to break them in. Before, I had some wheels that would barely revolve a full turn when finger spun. All now spin for a few seconds.
Thanks again.
-BT.
That worked out for you; I am glad. Good operational wheels are critical to your ultimate satisfation.
Good luck.
Rich c.
Quote from: Traveler on December 26, 2015, 10:39:19 PM
Found this thread (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30479.0.html).
-BT.
Good, you found what I call a "classic".
Like
Rich, I am also glad you solved things. If you intend to expand your rolling stock collection, I do suggest you obtain the truck tuner from Micro Mark for future use :)
Jim;
I have been using LaBelle Lubes for a long time. They are made specifically for locomotive gearing and valve rigging. No complaints yet.
Rich C.
I know you do, you have mentioned it several times before. I know it is good stuff, but with the name, comes a higher price, for stuff you can get that does the same, for a lesser price. Just my viewpoint.
Jim;
Point well taken. Also said; we pay our money and place our bets...
Rich C.
I also see your point.
It is just that when brand X is putting out synthetic oil for moving metal train parts and brand X is putting out Teflon grease (PTFE based) and that is all the same as what LaBelle puts out, I don't see the risk involved with going with brand X.
Much like when I buy 5W30 oil to change the oil in my truck, I don't care whose name is on the quart bottle, as long as it has the API Service SN circle/label on it.
It's your jing; it is your choice...this is what I, and a bunch of other guys stuck their necks out for. How about you?
Rich C.
Quote from: electrical whiz kid on December 28, 2015, 07:18:06 PM
...this is what I, and a bunch of other guys stuck their necks out for. How about you?
Rich C.
You're exactly right it is my jing and my decision to spend it how and where I wish. If I can help by giving others options they may not have given thought to, then all the better.
And oh, I'm sorry, do I need to have served in Nam, in order to have an opinion of where my $$ goes? Or are you suggesting I should thank a VET every time I go to make a purchase? Do I need to provide my family history to you, to somehow satisfy you that I am entitled to have freedom of choice?
I think you need to step off,
Rich >:(.