Steam locomotives are popular no matter what prototype or country you model and that is especially true around the holidays. But before you dig out your old steamers and some track to go around the Christmas tree it's a good idea to give them a tuneup so they'll be ready to roll on and on. Today I’ll show you how I keep mine in tip-top running shape. The 10 steps I gave for diesels applies to most steam locos too. However you may not be able to easily get to the motor on some.

1. Listen for cracked axle gears, yes they happen in steam locos too.
2. Check wheel spacing with NMRA gage.
3. Check and clean wheels when needed.
4. Check for lint buildup on axles, bearings, and pickups.
5. Oil worm gear bearings.
6. Grease worm gears.
7. Remove truck coverplate and grease gears from below.
8. Oil motor bearings but don't overdo it if they are accessible.
9. Oil wheel bearings.
10. Clean balky motors using CRC QD Contact Cleaner but never apply oil to commutators, if the motor is accessible.