When we had the big Standard Gauge layout in the Berkshire Mall (Wyomissing PA) some 35 years ago, we used Castrol's Motorcycle Chain lube out of a pressured can. With the small tip we could apply a small amount to the gears and the consistency made sure that it stayed where we put it. This display was up for some four weeks and operated seven days a week and eleven hours a day M-S and six hours on Sunday.
Ron M