Re: Restarting an Unused HO Engine

David Nebenzahl wrote:
On 8/17/2009 12:41 PM W. eWatson spake thus:

Just to make sure I'm doing the right thing, take a look at the exploded view in the link. A part of the diagram show the motor, fly wheels, and so on. Starting on the left, I would think I should put a small drop of oil on the worm bearing, worm & shaft, coupling?, and worm gear at the right end. The worm&shaft look like they are covered with the housing shown in the diagram, so maybe it would be difficult to get oil in there. Maybe the L-shaped light bracket can be detached, so the housing can be removed? The bracket is resistant to finger tugs, so maybe a long nosed plier.

You could lube those points. However, I seriously doubt that lack of lubrication is the cause of your loco not running properly.

Think about it: the gears really require little or no lubrication, as they're made of Delrin or some equivalent plastic that's pretty much self-lubricating.

If you do use oil, remember that just enough is too much. Really. Just a tiny drop on a toothpick is all you need.

I'd concentrate more on the electrical pick-up from the wheels to the motor. One thing I really do not like about the way Athearn and other similar locos are put together is the iffy electrical contacts, which rely on nice tight, clean connections between parts. I replaced this haphazard system with soldered wire connections on a few of my locos. Not saying you should do this, but do check all the electrical connection points, particularly from the trucks to the motor. This is another good reason not to over-lubricate and risk getting oil on the contact surfaces.


I agree with your assessment on the need for oil on those parts even not knowing they are made from Delrin. The simplicity of the chain of parts and virtually no lubrication suggested it doesn't need much, if any, lubrication.

Actually, I haven't gotten to the "proof" for the need for anything. I've only run the engine. The layout has been solidly assembled for 22 years and suspended a huge majority of that time from a ceiling in tow garages. My kids didn't take to it, and I figured some off spring might. None that I care to wait for.

Proof. Here's what I need to do rather than concentrate on the engine assembly as discussed. I need to start adding cars to the engine, and see if it makes it around the tracks. It used to make it fairly easily. If that shows some difficulty, then I need to, I think with your suggestions above, check electrical connections.

You mention trucks to the motor. What does that mean? Wheels? I was told by a local shop owner to use sand paper on the wheels to the engine, but that's not so easy. They are tiny, and getting a good grip on them while sanding is not easy.
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