Question 1

what kind of oil is used for smoker locomotives

Accepted Answer

Search on Amazon using the phrase "Smoke fluid for model trains". You will find several varieties. I use Piko, but there are many choices including one that is apple scented.

Question 2

Is there like a protection that I have to cut off? So I don’t use too much in one shot?

Accepted Answer

I don't remember exactly since I bought this in 2013 BUT to trust any sort of aperture on the nozzle and using the 'drip' method is risky if you are lubricating split chassis locos. My colleague and I had the most success by dripping a small amount (3/8" dia.) on a non-absorbent sheet and then use a small flat blade screwdriver to dip in the "puddle' so that a small amount "adheres" to the blade by surface tension. Put the screw driver blade into the axle/chassis interface (assuming you have exposed this) and let the lube be drawn into the contact area. It is after all a conductor and the risk of shorting the two halves of the motor is high and disastrous if you use too much. We resurrected several old Bachmann split chassis locos this way. I believe this product is the same as the old "electrolube" used for many years in industry. With this product, "sparse" is good. Stu.

Question 3

Where exactly do you apply this? On the wheels?

Accepted Answer

This is not applied to the wheels. There are a number of  large scale engine trucks (USA Trains is one) that use electrical pick-up from the axels of the power trucks. This lube is applied sparingly to the axel ends where they enter the pick-up bearing surface of the truck side plates. It would also be used where there might be bronze wipers that touch the axels for electrical pick-up. It could be used on some turn-outs that have a wiping electrical pick-up plate to conduct voltage to the tracks. This lubricant is specifically designed to conduct electricity and could short out circuits. If you use it on the wheel rims, the wheels will slip on the track and this is not good. Hope this helps.

Question 4

Can this be used with Lionel Legacy locomotives?

Accepted Answer

I don't have Lionel, but had them as a child. This is a contact lube for electric contacts. I wipe a little on the wheels to improve electric pickup. To the extent you can get at the contacts in the Lionel motors, you could lube the armature and contacts there. My G scale motors are sealed. If the electric pickup is through wipers on the wheels you could use it there or on motor bearings if that is in the electric path.  This lube has companion products that I use. I use the grease on gears and the track cleaner to clean my track although I have read that mineral spirits are the best cleaner. Hope this helps keep your railroad running!

BACHMANNTrains E-Z Lube Conductive Contact Lube

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