The Drive Unit is not a toy, but a small machine. Like your car it must be lubricated. In the package, you received, there is a tube of Permatex Super Lube, this grease is a very high-performance grease, non-petroleum, which means it will not attack plastic or many other materials. The grease is non-conductive, so it can prevent any current flow (i.e., front pilot wheel hub contact/bearings pickup).

A. Worm Gears

The drive unit's worm gear set was lubricated before it was shipped. However, you should notice a polypropelene plug in the bottom of the drive unit. This plug provides access for you to check on the state of lubrication and add lubrication, when necessary, without having to tear down the locomotive. The worm gear lubrication does not have to be in a large `glob' to be working, just be sure the gear is not dry.

B. Bearings and Bushings

The ballbearings are shielded, not sealed. The shield however, is close enough in tolerance to prevent water from entering the bearing (unless submerged for a long period of time or under pressure). The middle driver has a bronze bushing which should be oiled periodically, behind each wheel.

C. Side Rods

The side rod pins and slide mechanism should be lightly oiled or greased periodically.

D. Electrical Pickups

The electrical pickups are self-lubricating and will not need any additional lubrication. If there is any dirt accumulation or greasy build-up on the back of the wheels it can be wiped away with a cloth, perhaps using a solvent like a track cleaner or WD-40.

E. Pilot Truck

Since the pilot truck provides electrical pickup its axles need a lubricant which will not interfere with this function. A little WD-40 should do the trick. A non-dielectric grease would be ideal, but we have no suggestions at this time.