Inspiration and Prototype Research
A Little Oil Goes a Long Way—Tips for Cleaner, Smoother Runs
Table of Contents
Watch Along: A Little Oil Goes a Long Way
Over-Oiling: The #1 Mistake That Kills Loco Performance
Ever wonder why your locomotive starts running rough even after you’ve “oiled it up real good”? You’re not alone. In this post (and video), I’ll show you why more isn’t always better when it comes to lubrication—and share a simple cleaning routine that keeps your engine rolling smooth without the grime.
One of the most common things I hear from model railroaders—especially folks who are just starting out—is that if a little oil helps, a lot must be even better. I get it. It feels intuitive that more lubrication should make everything smoother. But here’s the hard truth: too much oil can quietly sabotage your locomotive’s performance.
In the video attached below, I walk step by step through how I clean and prep my Proto 2000 switcher, and why keeping oil in check matters so much.
I’ve picked up engines in the past where oil was literally seeping out the bottom. Not only does that excess oil attract dust and dirt like a magnet, it also gums up electrical contacts and makes your wheels lose traction over time. Before you know it, your engine starts running rough, or stops picking up power altogether.
If you’re tearing your locomotive down for maintenance, take a few extra minutes to do a thorough clean. I start by wiping the wheel pickups and axles with 91% rubbing alcohol. You’ll be surprised how fast that Q-tip turns black—proof of all the grime that’s built up.
From there, I like to add a small dab of DeoxIT on the contact points. Just a tiny amount. This helps clean and protect the pickups without creating the sticky mess too much oil causes. (And no, I’m not sponsored—this is just what’s worked for me.)
A good rule of thumb: less is more. A light, even application of lubricant is all you need. If you can see it pooling or dripping, that’s already too much.
This approach keeps your locomotive running reliably, keeps your track cleaner, and saves you from headaches down the road.
If you’ve ever wondered why your engine’s performance drops off after maintenance, this is probably the reason. And if you’re just getting into the hobby, I hope this gives you a little confidence to dive in and try the cleaning process yourself. It’s not hard, and the results speak for themselves.
Feel free to leave a comment on the video or drop a question below—I’m always happy to help other model builders keep things rolling smooth.
Happy modeling, and talk soon.