Frequency of Lubrication Question

If I recall correctly, MTH recommends every 20 hours of running time. I don't follow any schedule, doing so when gears look dry on diesels or I think it has been a while for steam. Not really the best method I guess but it is what it is. 

FOr center rail rollers, I oil the roller only, not the spring. No need IMO. 

I wait until something squeaks or binds a bit.

Then I lube the whole train.

Once a year is probably enough if you aren't running the wheels off of stuff. I give rollers one drop on each end of the roller pin when new and only oil them afterwards if theres an obvious squeak. Steam linkage probably requires slightly more frequent oiling, I usually touch a finger to the rotating points and if theres a dot of oil on my fingertip I'm good.

The best tip I can give is to use labelle 102, this is a "heavier" light oil and stays much longer where its put, instead of running off over time. This helps to greatly reduce reoiling  intervals.

I try to do mine every 20 hours.  Frankly, a lot of locos that sit on the shelf a lot get oiled whenever I run them (less than once a year).  Those I run a lot, I track in and try to lube them every 20 hours.

I try to stick with the "20 hours or so" thing, but most often lose track of how long I've been running them.  If/when I hear any noises that seem to indicate lubrication is needed, I attend to it then.

Ahh, the "squeeking wheel gets the grease" theory. That works for me!

Wish that worked on knees, back, shoulders, etc...  Seriously though, squeaky car wheels are different than noises from motor-drive parts.  I just lubed my dad's original 726 for what appeared to be the first time.  It was run a lot of years, housed in a decent display case in between.  I took it apart because it was sluggish starting, a little jerky.  

I've found the down side of over lubing is a dirty track.  Something that became more important when I started TMCC.   Little oil goes along way.  I found leaving freshly lubed wheels left to sit a day or two on a rag helped avoid more track messing.

Thanks everyone for your tips on oiling and choice of product.

I appreciate the information.

Bob

Keep in mind that the oil necessitates keeping an eye on your track cleaning schedule as well. Keep well.

I place Red and Tacky 2 on exposed gears!  Does not fly off when the thing spins!