Bachmann DD40 splitting axle gears

[randgust]

My doodlebug ended up with 3 of 4 axles cracked, hadn't even noticed, and that was an original run.  On the unpowered end, the wheel literally fell out of the axle.

I've never had this happen with any other product other than Bachmann.   Ever.  If you go back to the truly dark ages, this is why you never, ever, ever used a petroleum-based lubricant on plastic, because the gear/shaft destruction was inevitable.   Sometimes I wonder what they use for grease and if that has something to do with it.   Seriously, do we KNOW that that stuff is they pile in there?

[Jbub]

So what do you all think of this? Bachmann is currently sold out of the trucks but they are on order and possibly available in a month. When I get a replacement I'm thinking about degreasing it and putting a better, high quality non petroleum lubricant in it since I'm sure these aren't delrin gears. My question is, what lubricant should I use? Also, has anyone made a better truck frame size for this? Their "flat chested" one is just pretty boring.

[MK]

Synthetic, usually silicone based with added Teflon, lubricant.

Something similar to these:
https://www.amazon.com/Bearings-EXTRA-LONG-synthetic-restores-movements/dp/B00CD7IWEO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1548287032&sr=8-13&keywords=synthetic+bicycle+oil
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-51004-Synthetic-Viscosity/dp/B07L3DLNM2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1548287032&sr=8-7&keywords=synthetic+bicycle+oil