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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Using Neolube Number 2 To Weather Track And To Weather Locomotive Drivers And Valve Gears

Neolube # 2 is a lubricant, a blackening agent and great improves electrical conductivity. I've used it in N scale to blacken metal parts, weather the rails of track and to blacken steam locomotive drivers and valve gears. Neolube # 2 is a graphite alcohol solution that brushes on easily.

Below is a photo of the bottle. When ordering this solution, it can only be sent by land transportation due to the alcohol content.



MicroMark is one of the companies in the United States that carries this product. Most dealers can obtain Neolube # 2 for you.

The rails of the Unitrack were blackened with Neolube # 2 and then a wash of Polly Scale Red Oxide was painted over the Neolube.



The Drivers, side rods and valve gear of the ATSF Mikado were first blackened with Neolube and then painted with a wash of burnt umber using 20 % paint and 80 % blue windshield wiper solution. The trip pins of the coupler on the front pilot and rear of the tender were also blackened with Neolube # 2.

ATSF Mikado #4067

        
        

ATSF Mikado #4016

I also use the Neolube to blacken the trip pins of couplers (especially MT couplers). Previously I used grimy black paint to darken the trip pins being very careful to keep the paint away from the coupler mechanism. Neolube #2 doesn't foul up the coupler mechanism as it also acts as a lubricant.

Give Neolube # 2 a try, You'll be pleased with the results.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Bob,

    When using Neolube on Unitrack #6 turnouts, do you need to pay any extra attention to screw, points, frogs etc...or can it be painted on everything liberally with no issues? as always, thanks for all your help , Todd

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