Best Oil for Lionel Trains

best oil for lionel trains
Photo courtesy David Michalczuk via flickr. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Lionel model trains are a beloved hobby for many enthusiasts. These trains are built to last, but over time they may require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

One of the essential maintenance tasks for Lionel model trains is lubrication, which involves using the right oil or lubricant to ensure proper operation.

In this article, we will discuss the best oil for Lionel model trains and answer some common questions related to lubrication.

Top-rated oils on Amazon

Sale
Liberty Oil, Clear Nonstaining Oil for Lubricating All Moving Parts of Your Sewing Machine. Large 4 Ounce Bottle.
  • Liberty Oil comes in a 4-fluid-oz bottle with a stainless steel needle tip dispenser. Because it is premium quality 100% clear non-staning oil it easily outperforms all other oils on the market.
  • The bottles are new using LDPE, which is a very soft plastic that is easy to squeeze. You will also receive a 1.5inch 18-gauge stainless steel needle tip that is of pharmaceutical grade with patented Luer lock cap to insure that you have no leaks from your bottle and cap.
  • Oil is blended from the finest high viscosity index solvent refined hydro-finished 100% pure paraffin base stocks available.
  • Comes with a 30 day no questions asked return policy. If you are not 100% happy with your purchase I will refund your money.
  • Comes with a medical grade 1 1/2 inch long stainless steel needle tip applicator for precision oiling with no mess.

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2pak Oil+Grease PTFE Lubricant for "N" Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Kato, Rivarossi, Con-Cor, Micro- Trains, and All "Z" Models, etc. Lube, Grease, Oil, PTFE.
  • PTFE known as the slipperiest substance known to man
  • Precision applicators for clean application
  • Plastic and metal compatible
  • Used by editors of Model Railroader Magazine on their workbenches

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Liberty Oil, 4oz Bottle of The Best 100% Synthetic Oil for Lubricating R/C Radio Controlled Cars and All Types of Vehicles. Does Not Evaporate and Cause Build up on Gears and Moving Parts!!!
  • Perfect for all hobby uses!!!
  • 4oz Bottle of 100% synthetic lubricant
  • Comes with a 1.5 inch 18 gauge stainless steel Pharmaceutical grade applicator.
  • Safe to use on plastics
  • Engineered to perform in a wide range of Applications

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Sale
Bachmann Trains - E-Z LUBE - LIGHT GEAR OIL (1 fluid ounce) - For Use With All Scales
  • Light gear oil is for use on all gears, bushings, shafts, and bolsters
  • Non-shedding and will not “sling off
  • Light duty oil
  • High quality
  • Designed for light duty applications

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Bachmann Trains - E-Z LUBE - GREASE (.5 ounces) - For Use With All Scales
  • For applications requiring heavier viscosity material
  • Use in large scale trains
  • Heavy duty Grease
  • High quality
  • This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

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Woodland Scenics Moly Grease w/Molybdenum WOOHL656
  • Made with Molybdenum. Covers the entire surface and maintains viscosity at high temperatures.
  • High load-bearing grease that stays put, providing maximum no-drop lubrication and corrosion protection with minimum washout under exposed conditions & Waterproof.
  • Viscosity: cSt @ 40° C...112
  • For use on: HO scale and larger model railroad power transmission gears, R/C boat propeller shafts, R/C car gears, shafts, axles, joints and bearings

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How Do You Lubricate an Old Lionel Locomotive?

 

What Kind of Oil Do Lionel Trains Use?

Lubricating an old Lionel locomotive is a simple process that involves a few steps. Here’s what you need to do:

Clean the locomotive: Before lubricating the locomotive, you should clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on it.

Apply oil: Once the locomotive is clean, apply a small amount of oil to the moving parts. Be sure to use a light machine oil that is specifically designed for model trains.

Spread the oil: Spread the oil evenly across the moving parts using a cotton swab or a toothpick. Be careful not to over-apply the oil, as this can lead to excess build-up.

Test the locomotive: After applying the oil, test the locomotive to ensure that it is running smoothly. If it still seems sluggish, you may need to apply more oil or clean the locomotive more thoroughly.

Which Lubricant is Best for O Gauge Trains?

When it comes to selecting the best lubricant for O gauge trains, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the best lubricants to use for O gauge trains available on Amazon.

In summary, the best oil for Lionel model trains is a light machine oil that is specifically designed for model trains — one that has a fine needle-like spout, which allows for accurate lubrication.

Find the best oil for Lionel trains on Amazon.