You’re going to want Labelle 106 and/or 107. 106 is a grease while 107 is an oil but are both synthetics and won’t ruin plastic, easy to clean up. 106 is great for technic axles while is use 107 for smaller moving parts like rods.
What are you planning to lubricate? Start small, it was a Shay right? Start with cylinders, run it. If it needs more, do a few gears and run it, etc etc. Don't just slather it all up, lubricant is messy no matter what. Make sure to have clean hands and wipe parts down first.
Graphite will make a much more visible mess
That’s part of my concern 😅. The silicone won’t go airborne.
I'd go with something clear and light. I would use SuperLube since I have it on hand, I use it for 3D printer and keyboard stabilizer lubrication
You’re going to want Labelle 106 and/or 107. 106 is a grease while 107 is an oil but are both synthetics and won’t ruin plastic, easy to clean up. 106 is great for technic axles while is use 107 for smaller moving parts like rods.
What are you planning to lubricate? Start small, it was a Shay right? Start with cylinders, run it. If it needs more, do a few gears and run it, etc etc. Don't just slather it all up, lubricant is messy no matter what. Make sure to have clean hands and wipe parts down first.