The well known phrase “prevention is better than cure” is ideal for these mechanical movers. If you maintain them at least once in a month, the chances of expensive repairs and replacements can be greatly reduced.
HO and O scale model locomotives do require periodic lubrication and cleaning to ensure smooth and hassle free performance. By performing regular layout and equipment service, one can protect a model layout and train from damage and rust.
Some of the easy to achieve maintenance tasks are:
1. Cleaning tracks
Your model tracks can be cleaned using a” Scotch Brand” scrub cleaning pad that is available from most stores. These pads are highly abrasive and can remove any dirt and debris from the track. One can also opt for using liquid cleaners that can be sprinkled over the tracks and then rubbed using a clean cloth. To prevent the risk of corrosion it’s not recommended to use harsh cleaners. Moreover, if you are not using your trains very often, cover the layout using a protective sheet to keep dirt off of your tracks and scenery.
2. Lubricating wheels
All the moving parts of HO scale and O scale model trains should be lubricated at least a twice a year.
If you use your trains more often, consider lubricating them more frequently. To prevent grime built up, always clean off old lubrication before lubricating them. Apply a little lubricant grease or oil and clean off the excess to avoid attracting dust. This is also a good time to check that the wheels are properly aligned and free of damage.
3. Inspect couplings
With prolonged usage locomotive couplings tend to become loose or damaged, often leading to derailments. To prevent this issue, check the height, swing and bindings of a coupling using a coupler height gauge. A coupler should swing freely, trip pins should be at the proper height to clear switches and coupler springs should not be missing, broken or binding.
These are the few simple tips to maintain an HO and O scale model trains and locomotives. If you are looking for train repair and maintenance service, contact our professionals at Baxter Backshop, Ontario.
HO and O scale model locomotives do require periodic lubrication and cleaning to ensure smooth and hassle free performance. By performing regular layout and equipment service, one can protect a model layout and train from damage and rust.
Some of the easy to achieve maintenance tasks are:
1. Cleaning tracks
Your model tracks can be cleaned using a” Scotch Brand” scrub cleaning pad that is available from most stores. These pads are highly abrasive and can remove any dirt and debris from the track. One can also opt for using liquid cleaners that can be sprinkled over the tracks and then rubbed using a clean cloth. To prevent the risk of corrosion it’s not recommended to use harsh cleaners. Moreover, if you are not using your trains very often, cover the layout using a protective sheet to keep dirt off of your tracks and scenery.
2. Lubricating wheels
All the moving parts of HO scale and O scale model trains should be lubricated at least a twice a year.
If you use your trains more often, consider lubricating them more frequently. To prevent grime built up, always clean off old lubrication before lubricating them. Apply a little lubricant grease or oil and clean off the excess to avoid attracting dust. This is also a good time to check that the wheels are properly aligned and free of damage.
3. Inspect couplings
With prolonged usage locomotive couplings tend to become loose or damaged, often leading to derailments. To prevent this issue, check the height, swing and bindings of a coupling using a coupler height gauge. A coupler should swing freely, trip pins should be at the proper height to clear switches and coupler springs should not be missing, broken or binding.
These are the few simple tips to maintain an HO and O scale model trains and locomotives. If you are looking for train repair and maintenance service, contact our professionals at Baxter Backshop, Ontario.
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