Comments on: Running Quality of Locomotives https://blog.model-train-help.com/2023/02/running-quality-of-locomotives.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=running-quality-of-locomotives Model railroads and model trains Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:05:58 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Morgan Bilbo https://blog.model-train-help.com/2023/02/running-quality-of-locomotives.html#comment-61899 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:05:58 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6656#comment-61899 Just look at all the moving parts on a steamer. That alone should give you the clue. Also, lubing your locos is always a good idea.

]]> By: Joe Graffi https://blog.model-train-help.com/2023/02/running-quality-of-locomotives.html#comment-61615 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:56:26 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6656#comment-61615 In reply to Dale.

I use synthetic automatic transmission fluid for all my lubrication except where a grease would do a better job (Synthetic “ATF” is incredibly slippery and does NO harm to plastic) I use a toothpick for application to all the moving parts of the side rod linkages as it is real easy to apply too much.
All of my HO scale DC (DCC ready) steam engines run very smoothly at low speeds.

]]> By: David Stokes https://blog.model-train-help.com/2023/02/running-quality-of-locomotives.html#comment-61439 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:20:51 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6656#comment-61439 Sadly your observation is true.
Diesel models because of their engineering do run smother than Steam outliners.

]]> By: Dale https://blog.model-train-help.com/2023/02/running-quality-of-locomotives.html#comment-61436 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:15:34 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6656#comment-61436 Maybe. Assuming that the motors are of equal quality, one possible reason might be that the side rods and linkages, although they are really just decorative, have binding points that keep then from moving freely. Engineers of prototype steam locomotives take considerable time lubricating all moving and binding points. You might want to use a very small drop of light oil on the side rods and see if it makes a difference.

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