Excellent video! I had to clean out some of my trucks on my locos because of too much lubricant on the gears. I also found loose ballast in the gears that cause the truck to bind up. Thanks for sharing this with us!
I only recently interested in scale train model and your videos help me a lot in knowing things I need to do to maintain my collection. I wish your family and you well. Thanks from Indonesia, Mike!
I agree with you a lot Mike, I get a lot of repairs form the local hobby shop here in town N & HO locos. 9 time out of 10 it's just a dirty loco. I live by labelle 108, great stuff been using it for years. Frist a run in a alcohol bath and after all the crap come out, I tear it down clean it, put it together and just a pinch of lube on the bearing parts. That's all it take and there running sweet again. Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com
Nothing on Bachmann's. Pulled a slightly old, N-Scale set out of the closet and the loco was not wanting to move at all. There was some motion in the motor. But it would start smoking right away. Took it apart as best as I could decipher and gave it a cleaning, but no dice.
Yeah, I kind of figured being it was a kit from "hObBy" Lobby. The only functioning Loco I got is some unknown, B-unit that runs quite well with the rest of the Bachmann tracks and assorted cars. I'm probably just going to go for one of the brands you mention in the videos. Start off with at least one, modern Loco and a car lot from ebay. Expensive hobby, but unlike shooting, I'm not burning money on bullet costs, lol. Oh, and I just now noticed you're in NM as well!!
Very helpful! I agree with not lubricating the plastic (delrin) gears by the wheels. It seems oiling there just allows for picking up dirt and causes more issues than lubricating helps. I have an older Atlas N Scale Loco that was having issues, so I used plastic-safe contact cleaner on the lower gears and wheels, flushed the old oil by the flywheels, and applied a small amount of Woodland Science Lite Hob-E-Lube on the engine side of the flywheels and it's now running much better. I might try using the Ultra-Lite next time as that is indicated for smaller trains (the Woodland Science Lite was all my local train shop had on hand). Thanks!!
Thank you Mike for this video! I have a Kato SD70MAC that several years ago I sprayed WD40 into the trucks thinking it would dislodge some dirt (a mistake now I know). It did help with the dirt but several years later I get jittery electrical pickup. I'm going to try cleaning the trucks per your video.
Always great info in you videos Mike, some very useful information to be had.I`m just getting started to check them all out ,gonna take awhile !! Keep up the good work.
I just bought an old stock new SD9 Atlas DMIR and it barely moves and have to run it full throttle just to get speed out of it. I know I’m going to have to take it apart and clean it up and give it a good tune up.
I do not remember but if it uses small yokes in the drives see if the yokes are cracked. They will never run right if they are. Atlas had a real issue with the yokes. Mike
Hey Mike Got some of those Tips.. you pointed out There really Cool and was Really Cheap I paid $6.00 bucks for all the one's I got which where the # 302, #301 and the #303) but what I was wondering is have you Tried is using a Different Cap style on your Labelle Bottles like the one from Bob Smith.. Have you ever tried say Like the #312 ? I got 2 of them for a .50 cents and I was wondering if it fits the Labelle bottles well it looks like it could.. Having more than one Option to take care of these little special Engines is always a Keen way to go :) Hope you & your Family have a Great Easter.. Take Care as always..
One of the best how to video's I've seen on you tube Mike Thanks very informational. If you have a loco that has too much oil and old grease how and what do you use to clean them?
You talk about lint, my problem is ground foam that is laying between the rails and gets sucked up in the slot on the bottom of the trucks which can clog up the gears to the point of stopping the loco.. Why do most N scale Diesel locomotive manufacturers have slots in the bottom of the trucks for the gears to stick through? I believe they do this for HO scale.
Hey Mike Looked over your Video again kind of Glad I did I done the lubrication but one thing i missed was the end shafts next to the worm gears I put a very thin smear of Labbel 106 on the Gear a very light Coating but & put some 108 where you indicated in the Video the Engine still has some Noise to it.. But No squeaking it may just be a body vibrate noise it usually goes down as the Engine slows Down.. I'll put a Video of it making the sound on my channel if you can give it a listen some time.. when you have some free time that would be Great I may load the Video before or after Thanksgiving.. I wanted to Add: I was wondering Mike do you have some of those Long narrow Glue Droppers Like you had on your Labelle 108 Bottle I'd like to get some from ya if ya do send me a Text or have Miss. Robin Give me call.. Thanks Mr. Mike.! Good Products Good Service Great Videos.. And You all in the Mike Fifer Family Have one Great and Safe Happy Thanksgiving : ) Akr
+akr3985fan Some of the engines just seem to make a little more noise than others and here is a link to the glue tips. fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=14950 Ron , I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving as well. Mike
Thanks for the video Mike. Just wondering why other lubrication videos or even manufacturer instructions do not seem to indicate it is necessary to lube the bearing box shaft. Is this a relatively new procedure?
A bit off topic maybe, but I have a question. Do you have a physical store I can visit or do you "just" have an online store? Im traveling from Norway into your area next April and I'd love to vist you shop. And maybe even visit you fantastic N-scale ACTRR layout. :-)
We are online only but we have many people visit with us here from around the world and would love to meet you. If you can keep us posted through the shop we will be sure to meet up. Thanks , Mike
Hey Mike, great video. I'm thinking about making a couple industry sidings on my layout using atlas or peco track coming off a Kato turnout. Didn't you do that for your line up to your coal mine? What can I use to get the track up to the height up to the turnout? Should use the HO size cork, or N trackbed? What did you do?
Ok cool, thanks mike. I probably wouldn't save much money it's just that Flex track seems a bit more versatile and I have minimal space to work. I've decided that I'm gonna do my best with track layout and scenery, but I think it's more valuable at this point to amass my rolling stock, locos, and models for a larger layout later. Do you use ten-x, is there any good way you've discovered to keep it from evaporating? With the chemicals they use there probably isn't thought I'd ask though. Is there a glue the works just as good for models, that doesn't evaporate?
Thanks for this Mike, I had a Kato Shinkansen that had become very noisy especially at slow speeds and after watching this, I had the confidence to locate the motor bearings and give them a bit of lubrication. The result is a transformed Shinkansen - thanks again for sharing.
Brilliant Mike ................ good common sense advice & dispells the myth that truck gears / wheel ends need any type of lubricant ....... many thanks for sharing the video with us :)
I have a very nice 4x6 n scale layout that the track ballast is half missing from being transported (huge mistake) would you be willing to give me advice on redoing the ballast simplest way possible. do I need to use spray glue. I will never move layout again. can I just buy ballast and spreader then apply? any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance Brian
you want said that I could have it is to run a new locomotive on a loop 4 a period of time you said that helps break it in I just can't remember what the amount of time or is could you refresh my memory I can't find the video I'm sorry for being a pain.
Excellent video! I had to clean out some of my trucks on my locos because of too much lubricant on the gears. I also found loose ballast in the gears that cause the truck to bind up. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Yep , That certainly happens.
Mike
Thank you Mike. Now I can maintain my fleet.
Thanks John , Glad to help.
Mike
I only recently interested in scale train model and your videos help me a lot in knowing things I need to do to maintain my collection.
I wish your family and you well. Thanks from Indonesia, Mike!
Thank You and greetings from the USA.
Mike
As usual Mike, - a great how to guide for our customers, and even some of us who may have forgotten some of the tips. Thanks, as usual. Art
Just what I needed today Mike! Lubricated one of my Dash 9s with your assistance!
Thanks so much Andy, glad to help.
Mike
I agree with you a lot Mike, I get a lot of repairs form the local hobby shop here in town N & HO locos. 9 time out of 10 it's just a dirty loco. I live by labelle 108, great stuff been using it for years. Frist a run in a alcohol bath and after all the crap come out, I tear it down clean it, put it together and just a pinch of lube on the bearing parts. That's all it take and there running sweet again.
Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com
Yep , that is my theory as well.
Mike
Nothing on Bachmann's. Pulled a slightly old, N-Scale set out of the closet and the loco was not wanting to move at all. There was some motion in the motor. But it would start smoking right away. Took it apart as best as I could decipher and gave it a cleaning, but no dice.
That is why I do not show any Bachmann. They simply are bottom of the line loco's. If it smoked it is done.
Sorry , Mike
Yeah, I kind of figured being it was a kit from "hObBy" Lobby. The only functioning Loco I got is some unknown, B-unit that runs quite well with the rest of the Bachmann tracks and assorted cars.
I'm probably just going to go for one of the brands you mention in the videos. Start off with at least one, modern Loco and a car lot from ebay.
Expensive hobby, but unlike shooting, I'm not burning money on bullet costs, lol.
Oh, and I just now noticed you're in NM as well!!
@@bentstrider LOL , for sure !!!
Very helpful! I agree with not lubricating the plastic (delrin) gears by the wheels. It seems oiling there just allows for picking up dirt and causes more issues than lubricating helps. I have an older Atlas N Scale Loco that was having issues, so I used plastic-safe contact cleaner on the lower gears and wheels, flushed the old oil by the flywheels, and applied a small amount of Woodland Science Lite Hob-E-Lube on the engine side of the flywheels and it's now running much better. I might try using the Ultra-Lite next time as that is indicated for smaller trains (the Woodland Science Lite was all my local train shop had on hand). Thanks!!
Thanks Terry.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!
@@N-Scale Same to you and yours!!
Hi Mike, thank you very much. It has been very useful. All the best!
Thanks Akin, Mike
Thank you my man! You just helped me revive an old loco! Much appreciated.
+Luhiss Lukus Glad to help. Mike
Thank you Mike for this video! I have a Kato SD70MAC that several years ago I sprayed WD40 into the trucks thinking it would dislodge some dirt (a mistake now I know). It did help with the dirt but several years later I get jittery electrical pickup. I'm going to try cleaning the trucks per your video.
Thanks , I think a good cleaning will restore the operation to normal.
Mike
Always great info in you videos Mike, some very useful information to be had.I`m just getting started to check them all out ,gonna take awhile !! Keep up the good work.
This is exactly the video I needed!! Thanks Mike!! -Heath
Glad to help.
I just bought an old stock new SD9 Atlas DMIR and it barely moves and have to run it full throttle just to get speed out of it. I know I’m going to have to take it apart and clean it up and give it a good tune up.
I do not remember but if it uses small yokes in the drives see if the yokes are cracked. They will never run right if they are. Atlas had a real issue with the yokes.
Mike
Thanks for the ideas you have shared here.
Thanks for looking.
Mike
Thanks Mike, that was helpful.
Great informational video.
Scott
Thanks Scott, I am happy to do it.
Mike
Agree with comments below, really clear and helpful. Any possibility of similar info. for steam locos?
Nope , I do not work on steam Locos.
Sorry.
great information Mike ... thanks for sharing
vinny
Thanks Vinny , hope it helped.
Mike
Hey Mike Got some of those Tips.. you pointed out There really Cool and was Really Cheap I paid $6.00 bucks for all the one's I got which where the # 302, #301 and the #303) but what I was wondering is have you Tried is using a Different Cap style on your Labelle Bottles like the one from Bob Smith..
Have you ever tried say Like the #312 ? I got 2 of them for a .50 cents and I was wondering if it fits the Labelle bottles well it looks like it could..
Having more than one Option to take care of these little special Engines is always a Keen way to go :)
Hope you & your Family have a Great Easter.. Take Care as always..
+brakeman 3985 Nope , I have not.
One of the best how to video's I've seen on you tube Mike Thanks very informational. If you have a loco that has too much oil and old grease how and what do you use to clean them?
I usually use dish soap , a tooth brush and water.
Thanks , Mike
Wow I didn't expect that, lol Thanks Mike
Great advice Mike thank you.
Thanks so much Colin. Hope you are well.
Mike
hey Mike, nice job on the tutorial. i'm sure these tips will help most in maintaining their locomotives, even those not using N scale
Thanks PC , I certainly hope so.
Thanks , Mike
You talk about lint, my problem is ground foam that is laying between the rails and gets sucked up in the slot on the bottom of the trucks which can clog up the gears to the point of stopping the loco.. Why do most N scale Diesel locomotive manufacturers have slots in the bottom of the trucks for the gears to stick through? I believe they do this for HO scale.
I think they need the space for the gear ratios. The foam should not be in the track centers. If it is it needs vacuuming.
Mike
Hey Mike Looked over your Video again kind of Glad I did I done the lubrication but one thing i missed was the end shafts next to the worm gears I put a very thin smear of Labbel 106 on the Gear a very light Coating but & put some 108 where you indicated in the Video the Engine still has some Noise to it.. But No squeaking it may just be a body vibrate noise it usually goes down as the Engine slows Down.. I'll put a Video of it making the sound on my channel if you can give it a listen some time.. when you have some free time that would be Great I may load the Video before or after Thanksgiving..
I wanted to Add: I was wondering Mike do you have some of those Long narrow Glue Droppers Like you had on your Labelle 108 Bottle I'd like to get some from ya if ya do send me a Text or have Miss. Robin Give me call..
Thanks Mr. Mike.! Good Products Good Service Great Videos.. And You all in the Mike Fifer Family Have one Great and Safe Happy Thanksgiving : ) Akr
+akr3985fan Some of the engines just seem to make a little more noise than others and here is a link to the glue tips.
fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=14950
Ron , I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving as well.
Mike
thanks this should help me. i have a noisy train and ill have a look at your suggestions and buy some of the oil
+Steven Stolle Photography Thanks Steve, I hope it all works for you, Thanks for taking a peek.
Mike
Thanks for the video Mike. Just wondering why other lubrication videos or even manufacturer instructions do not seem to indicate it is necessary to lube the bearing box shaft. Is this a relatively new procedure?
Thanks Cam , No they have needed to be lubed since the beginning (just not over lubed)
Mike
A bit off topic maybe, but I have a question. Do you have a physical store I can visit or do you "just" have an online store?
Im traveling from Norway into your area next April and I'd love to vist you shop. And maybe even visit you fantastic N-scale ACTRR layout. :-)
We are online only but we have many people visit with us here from around the world and would love to meet you.
If you can keep us posted through the shop we will be sure to meet up.
Thanks , Mike
Thanks Mike great info!
Thanks Ron , Hope you can use the info.
Mike
Is it normal for a brand new Kato SD70M from the latest run to make a loud whining sound?
Some but not a lot.
Mike
@@N-Scale I'll probably send it in to Kato for inspection. All My other Katos are nice and quiet. Thanks for your input Mike!
Hey Mike, great video. I'm thinking about making a couple industry sidings on my layout using atlas or peco track coming off a Kato turnout. Didn't you do that for your line up to your coal mine? What can I use to get the track up to the height up to the turnout? Should use the HO size cork, or N trackbed? What did you do?
My track is all Kato but I would guess you could put the other track on N Scale roadbed and be pretty close.
Thanks , Mike
Ok cool, thanks mike. I probably wouldn't save much money it's just that Flex track seems a bit more versatile and I have minimal space to work. I've decided that I'm gonna do my best with track layout and scenery, but I think it's more valuable at this point to amass my rolling stock, locos, and models for a larger layout later. Do you use ten-x, is there any good way you've discovered to keep it from evaporating? With the chemicals they use there probably isn't thought I'd ask though. Is there a glue the works just as good for models, that doesn't evaporate?
Elliot Quick I do not use it either. I use Plastruct Liquids and I have really never had a evap issue unless over a period of years.
Thanks , Mike
very informative. I learned a few things. Thanks
Thanks Mark , Glad to help.
Mike
nice information mike, thanks!
Thanks so much Pong, Mike
Thanks for this Mike, I had a Kato Shinkansen that had become very noisy especially at slow speeds and after watching this, I had the confidence to locate the motor bearings and give them a bit of lubrication. The result is a transformed Shinkansen - thanks again for sharing.
You are more than welcome.
Mike
Very good information. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks so much John , Glad to help.
Mike
Nice video thanks for the info
+Joseph Taylor Thanks , and glad to help.
Mike
Brilliant Mike ................ good common sense advice & dispells the myth that truck gears / wheel ends need any type of lubricant ....... many thanks for sharing the video with us :)
Thanks for stopping in Nick. Glad you found the info useful.
Mike
Always enjoy your videos Mike :)
Thanks, it keeps it simple.
That is what I strive for. Simple
Thanks , Mike
great info glad you did this video because i was wondering about this stuff. thanks alot .......geno
Thanks so much Geno, Mike
Thank You
You are welcome
Would labelle 107 work for n scale or is that too thick?
It would be fine !!
Mike I have a brand new, fresh out of the box Athearn UP #3985 and she squeaks and it's obnoxious... Any reccomendations?
I will not make any recommendations as Athearn will not sell to us. Sorry, Mike
I have a very nice 4x6 n scale layout that the track ballast is half missing from being transported (huge mistake) would you be willing to give me advice on redoing the ballast simplest way possible. do I need to use spray glue. I will never move layout again. can I just buy ballast and spreader then apply? any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance Brian
Try this , the method is the same.
Thanks , Mike
ua-cam.com/video/eD-EHgsTcto/v-deo.html
Thanks! Good info!
You are welcome Mike , Mike
You can use 102 for the gears. Why not
Yes you can.
Great vid, thanks for the info. My both my Kato genesis are still whining after the service. Is there a good forum to go on to help solve it?
+smoknjoe73 Well , I would have to see them but some of the Kato's always have a slight whine to them but a squeal , no.
Thanks , Mike
What happens when loco runs but doesn't move and lights r on?
Bad connection to the motor.
Mike
Good information even for us HO guys.
Thanks so much FixIt , Glad to help.
Mike
How does Labelle 108 compare with 107?
107 is a medium weight oil and 108 is light weight. I find the 107 stays put a little better that the 108.
Thanks , Mike
you want said that I could have it is to run a new locomotive on a loop 4 a period of time you said that helps break it in I just can't remember what the amount of time or is could you refresh my memory I can't find the video I'm sorry for being a pain.
No real set time, Maybe 20 minutes in each direction.
Thanks , Mike
Thank you.
whats the number & e-mail to your shop? Thx
www.fiferhobby.com
What about steam?
I do not do any steam, sorry.
Mike
can u contact me?
You can call or email the shop.
Thanks , Mike