Lubricating Axles on Rail King Passenger Cars

I use Labelle 107 for all cars.  I use their #106 synthetic grease on loco drive systems.  Both have Teflon in them and are plastic-safe.

I also started using Labelle # 305 track cleaner and lubricant about 6 months ago.   I have tried several approaches to coating the rails - transmission fluid, sewing machine oil, hair clipper oil, etc.   I applied Labelle #305 by putting about a 1/4" "patch" on the rails at two locations (so about every 100 feet) then running trains to move it around the layout, after cleaning the rails w/ denatured alcohol.

Labelle talks about how #305 improves rail to loco conductivity to help DCC systems-  it seems to be terrific for the Lionel control systems too.   The light coating of #305 KEEPS them clean.  Do not over-apply, unless you really don't want traction!

I second using LaBelle. They have great products.

Dan, I had a similar problem with some MTH Premier passenger cars; lubing the wheels didn’t help.  My problem was caused by the truck side frames rubbing the wheels in corners.

The side frames on my cars are held on by two screws.  If your trucks are similar, loosen the screws, align the side frames to be parallel to the wheels and retighten the screws.  That solved my problem.

God luck!

John

I have to go with the previous reply.  If you have difficulty pulling five RK passenger cars with any reasonable locomotive, it's more than lubrication that's the issue.