Performence running without traction tires on the slotted wheels varies by gauge adjustmemt, slot width, track type(rail head shape), and which wheels have the tires. They may hop, see-saw, or list...or seat evenly, and grab tight.
Friction wears. Heavy pulls cause more friction. ...and different loco's definitely have enough design variation for motors to be overheated by a variety of reasons and conditions.
This all goes for every generation of model trains; prewar to modern day.
Weight pulled is a factor. Motor stall, & at speed needs for voltage & available amps cause heat too.
The lube of worms and gears isnt "daily" maintenance; but bravo.
Few do it often enough, but ideally, oiling is "daily" maintenance.
Oiling axle bushings not only reduces wear by reducing friction, but done often, flushes bearings of any of the accumulated debris caused by wear since the last oiling. Cleaner lasts longer.
E.g
That flushing action in mind, oiling axels one side per night to allow a gravity flush is great. With an engine on its side and let to sit on a diaper cloth overnight to catch oil excess as it slowly drips off, wipe and clean final excesss from wheels after. My grandfather would do this till the excess oil from a fresh squirt soaked into a white cloth and was still clean. Any blackness and the train would get another cleaning and or oiling til the excess was clean. He compared it to cleaning and oiling his M1 in the Army.
Wd as a "watery" flush isnt a bad idea, but it is not a suitable long term lube like thicker oils. (it is a wire dryer, not a lot of friction modifier there).
