I have been running my new Rheingold steam loco 4-6-2 for apprx. 5 hours and finally noticed a note on the box saying oil before use, then a look at the manual gives me 40 hours before oiling the wheel bearings and 20 hours before greasing the worm. What to do? I went ahead and put a drop of Labelle 108 on the wheels (we love that stuff in Z scale) as they looked pretty dry but the manual calls for Trix 66626 on the worm. I have every kind of grease imaginable in my shop already, some designed specifically for plastic gears from Tamiya, some black stuff that is used on Zerox machines, a white molybedenum grease called molykote that is really fine stuff, etc. Any suggestions and does Marklin really ship these locos dry?

Makes sense, I guess I should at least “check under the hood” to ensure it has been done. Since produced in 2018 it should be good. And my Tamiya or Molykote white grease would be fine. Yes, a little goes a long way.

Most Märklin locos ship either dry as a bone or completely overoiled. I especially love locos with oiled traction tyres.

Better assume nothing and check the locos before putting them into service.
Worm gears that are really difficult to reach require lubrication every 20 hours.

Does not matter when Marklin ships a loco. It is how long the dealer has them and what do they do before shipping. Dealers should take responsibility to ensure a loco arrives at a customer on good working order.

Hi
Never have I purchased a New Märklin loco that was not lubricated. I don't say it does not exist but only never happened to me on my 50+ purchases. Just my experience.
They don't lubricate to show but just barely enough and as said by one friend already: how long has the model been waiting on the shelf.
I never purchase old new stock and am careful about the production year.
Cheers
Jean