Wahl Clipper Oil for Track: The Verdict 2 Years on?

[nachoman]

Every bit of logic suggests to me that the oil would be a bad idea. First, it is oil on the rail that logic says will reduce traction. Second, the oil is a fluid that should act as a "glue" to stick dirt to the rails. Also, oils can be insulators, and one would think the resistance across a layer of oil would be a problem. But, many swear by it, so obviously it either must do something or at least not cause much harm.

I can think of one possibility. Some oils can act as a detergents for loosening up gunk. WD-40 is an example, as is your standard 10w-30 motor oil. Perhaps the Wahl oil has some detergent properties. Also, a thin coating of oil would reduce oxidation as the railhead is no longer in contact with the air. My guess is the coating of oil is thin enough that it does not effect electrical properties. The locomotive also may be heavy enough to force the oil out of the contact area between the wheel and the rail - thus the traction and the electrical contact aren't significantly affected.

I haven't tried it yet, but enough people swear by it that I would give it a try if I start running into dirty track headaches. I don't think I would use it if I had locomotives with traction tires or cars with plastic wheels. The oil could soften both the tires and the wheels over time.