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How to Lubricate Modern Toy Trains

Model toy trains are a favorite hobby of many model toy enthusiasts throughout the world. Collecting and building model toy trains can be a fun pastime, but you must also take care to perform proper maintenance on your toys in order to improve the level of fun you have with them. Lubricating your model toy train on a regular basis keeps your model toy in good condition and helps you enjoy it longer.

Things You'll Need

Light viscosity oil
Small squeeze tube
Needlepoint oiler
Chamois or other extra-absorbent microfiber cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off any power related to the model train you wish to lubricate to avoid shock and possible malfunction.
- 2
  Turn over the model train car.
- 3
  Pour light viscosity oil, such as white lithium grease, into a squeeze tube and top with a needlepoint oiler.
- 4
  Lubricate the model train's drive rods, axles and other parts that rub or slide together. Use the needlepoint oiler to apply the lubricant. Do not use lubricant on the gears. (Gears should be greased.)
- 5
  Wipe excessive oil with the chamois cloth.
- 6
  Grease the gears using the appropriate model train grease (see your model train guide for specifications).
- 7
  Turn your model train car over and turn on the power. Your model train should begin to function as usual.

Model Railroads