Lubricating Kato chassis

[danny]

I've noticed recently that after a couple of years my locos on Kato tram chassis tend to start running slightly less smoothly. I'm not sure how these chassis can be lubricated as the gears are enclosed. Any ideas?

[Elmgate]

The metal baseplate is secured by two screws, one each end. Remove these and prise the baseplate away. Since the wheels are secured into the axle boxes with pin-point axles, they will not drop out, and you will be able to apply lubricant (I prefer silicon grease) to the gears. You should also be able to apply a minute drop of oil to the motor end bearings. Reassemble, and away you go! Take care, howewever, not to press onto the wheels, as they can move upward, and jam the gears (guess how I know?! :) )

[danny]

Thank you. Yes, I have pushed the pinpoints out of the axleboxes while changing the couplings before. Is there any other explanation for the slightly rough running apart from needing lubrication?

[MickT]

Possibly dirty wheels, or dirty or misaligned pickups?

Mick

[danny]

I've checked all those. These chassis seem to have very narrow back to back measurements though - lots of sideways movement seems to happen when they're on the track.