“Less is more,” as the saying goes from the article, How to lubricate your O and S gauge trains. The same applies to regularly lubricating postwar equipment that has stood the test of time. Rolling stock — ranging from freight cars to cabooses — is no exception.
Oiling around
Lubricating postwar rolling stock will involve the wheels on each car, normally at the bearings to the wheel axles. Take note of the different placements of the bearing boxes along each axle before applying the oil.
That brings us to the next recommendation: Use light oil to prevent the attraction of debris when running on the track. Labelle Lubricants’ Nos. 107 and [occasionally] 108 with needle applicators have been my go-to choices for any O gauge cars, and are available either separately or in kits. Apply the oil sparingly.
For illuminated cars, such as lighted coaches, the mileage may vary when lubricating the brackets’ pivots on the pickup rollers. This can be in part due to the general rule of keeping the rollers themselves oil-free. If lubrication is needed due to stiffness within the pickup rollers, take great care when applying oil to the pivots.
Taking the cars for a spin
After all the wheels are accounted for, give them a spin to work the oil in and through the bearings and axles. Acclimating yourself in performing the lubrication of your rolling stock just before an operating session can go a long way in extending this process. Of course, regularly lubricating your O gauge postwar rolling stock goes a long way in keeping them running trouble-free.
