///////////what's the best way to clean it, and what should
be used for a "lubricant" once clean?///////////
====================

I cleaned a clock or two with WD-40 and they ran.  BUT, my clock maker
friend said "DON'T EVER USE WD-40 ON THEM AGAIN".  He has a special solution
in which he bathes clock mechanisms.  They are blown dry then lubed with
clock oil (a little bit goes a long way).  In that I don't know what the
solution was I would use an evaporating cleaner (like TV tuner cleaner) then
get some clock oil from a jeweler.  Don't forget to clean the contact points
too.  Often that's the only problem.
Paul Johnson
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I had my Speedster's original clock overhauled by a friend, a very
distinguished (but retired) horologist here in the UK. He's an 18th
century clock specialist so I was surprised when he said "Oh yes! I
know about those (electrically wound clockwork) clocks. They are very
interesting!" He fixed it beautifully and for an old fashioned price
too. He put a condenser in the circuit to reduce sparking and burning
of the contacts when it does its little wind-up every few minutes.
From other conversations with him about other clocks I learn that you
use special, non volatile watch oil but on the bearings of the
spindles only and NOT on places where the gears mesh together as that
INCREASES wear. Very surprising. He did explain it, at great length,
but quite a long time ago!
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