Comments on: Using WD40 on Model Railroads – Right or Wrong?

By: Sheldon Clark

Sheldon Clark — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:18:32 +0000

In reply to Peter. I rather like "supperised".

By: Dave Mock

Dave Mock — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 21:41:07 +0000

At a LSR Convention we had a chemist give a clinic and he said the be lubrication to use is Automatic Transmission oil. He said it will not do harm to plastic of any kind.

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 13:48:09 +0000

What oil and lubricants NOT to use? But you can’t just use any oil or grease.

The gears and cogs of model trains are obviously much smaller than those in cars and other mechanical devices found in homes so normal oils won’t work and can even be harmful to the delicate plastics and paintwork of rolling stock.

They may eat through and dissolve many materials used in buildings and scenery around your layouts, so if you spill some it can be bad news.

For these reasons never use cooking oil, WD40 or 3-in-1, even though some suggest using it.

So what is the best oil and grease to use for model trains? Instead, use dedicated oils and greases.

My personal recommendation for the best lubrication to use on gears Labelle products labelled as plastic safe. In particular, Labelle #107 or #108 and #106 for grease.

If you can’t get these, check the lubricant is plastic compatible and a light oil. Old style sewing machine oil and fishing reel oils are recommended by many old-school modellers. Alternatively, Gaugemaster’s oil is recommended.

By: Brian Byrne

Brian Byrne — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 13:01:08 +0000

In reply to Jim. I agree with Jim, WD 40, is fine for general household use. For model railways you need something more refined and won't attract dust, dirt or become tacky. Your model store will stock a product that has been designed for model use, and it will not be too expensive.

By: Al Pollick

Al Pollick — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 03:12:51 +0000

In reply to Al Pollick. WD-40 is a sledgehammer - it's not for precision mechanisms such as model trains.

By: Al Pollick

Al Pollick — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 03:03:00 +0000

WD-40 is a lot of solvent, & a little bit of oil. That’s why it penetrates so well. The solvent evaporates off quickly. Once frozen parts are free, they need to be well lubricated, then wiped off.

By: train doctor

train doctor — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 23:54:01 +0000

WD40 is
“WD, water displacement”
“40 , perfected on the 40’th try.
it has been used favorably as a rust penetrate but their are better products for that job.
Their are no good uses for it in the model train world.
For the gears I use label white lithium grease,,, for the other moving parts I use liquid bearings, found on ebay. or label oil products is also good… Label also has an oil for the electrical contacts .
And for track cleaning I use nothing but transmission fluid, use all of the lubricants sparingly.

By: Andy Stockdill

Andy Stockdill — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 20:20:56 +0000

In reply to bob aull.

John Stockdill
That’s a lot of trains were you able to have a life ( O.k. I’m sorry just some off the wall Brit Humour)
A product I have used for sensitive lubrication is called Fluid Film

By: Bob H.

Bob H. — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 19:09:23 +0000

I use 3&1 oil or any good 5 weight motor oil. Nothing heavier for trains.

By: Frank Dredge

Frank Dredge — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 19:05:02 +0000

WD40 used to be called fish oil and any organic based oil is only suitable for items that were ‘living’,eg wood leather.

A good plastic compatible oil is Labelle 102, which is available at hobby shops.

All model trains should be oiled very sparingly. Micro Mark have applicators which apply one eighth of a drop of oil, which is enough to lubricate all the gears in a model locomotive.

By: Perry Doig

Perry Doig — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 18:11:13 +0000

I use mineral oil and apply it with a straightened paper clip. You get just the right amount as a drop on the end and it can be applied directly to the area required with no overage. Should your hand shake clean up is easy with no deterioration to plastic or paint.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:19:55 +0000

In reply to Sid Vis. You’re exactly right, WD-40 is not and never was sold as a lubricant. It’s O.K. for some lubing uses but works best as a parts cleaner.