old problem, new guy

[larryb8415]

Normal 0

Hi Everyone, 

 I have a problem that I'm sure is pretty common, but being that I'm new and don't know much, well you get the idea.  My wife, God bless her, bought me a Lionel box set a few years ago on my birthday.  At the time, I didn't really have any space for a real lay out, but now I have more room and the idea is build a Christmas layout.  My little girl of 18 months loves the “choo-choo.”

 I pulled the 4-4-2 engine out of the box and there are some bugs in it.  The bell and the whistle seem to have a mind of their own and sound without a prompt from me.  I thought maybe the voltage is too low on the length of track I have and just to check I shortened it up a bit.  That helped a little, but now I'm thinking at the very least I have a bad connection somewhere. 

 Am I thinking right? 

 Also, any tips for maintenance on a barely run but "been in the box" engine?

 Thanks

Larry (the new guy)

[larryb8415]

sorry I posted this 4 times, the machine said there was an error.

[fifedog]

Larry 4x ---> .

Start off by reversing the wires from the power pack to the track.  It would also help out if we knew which set you have.

[jwse30]

Welcome to the forum!  Regarding your problems with the engine, I'd start by cleaning the track and the wheels on the engine. Since the set had been sitting for a while, it may have a bit of corrosion which could be reducing the voltage getting to  the engine.

For the track, you could use a Scotchbrite pad to polish the tops of the rails. A rag and some rubbing alcohol could help as well. Sandpaper and especially steel wool are not good to use,as they can leave behind particles that can end up in  the gears of the engine and really foul it up.

For the wheels and the (center rail) pickup roller, I use rubbing alcohol and QTips.

Let us know what engine you have (usually the cab number),or what set you've got, and I'm sure
someone will know what maintenance might be needed.

 

Hope this helps,

 

J White

[servoguy]

Dirty track and/or wheels and pickup rollers will cause intermittent operation of the whistle and bell.  While you are at it, make sure the track sections fit together tightly.  Loose connections between track sections can cause poor running when the engine is some ways from the transformer.

If you have tubular O-27 or O-31 track, I recommend the following procedure for keeping the connections tight.  Grab the track section at the pin end with a pair of pliers and gently bend the end of the rail so the pin is offset about the diameter of the pin.  Bend the center rail pin to the right and the left rail pin to the left.  You will have to squeeze the pins a little to join the track sections, but they will stay tight and make a much better electrical connection than Lionel's recommended method.  This is the technique that American Flyer recommended way back.  

Bruce Baker

[larryb8415]

It's a New York Central Flyer set, with FasTrack.  The engine number is 8635. 

Thanks to all for the welcome and the advice, I'll try it all and let you know.

Larry

Larry

Larry

Larry

[Penny Trains]

I don't know if this is still an issue or not with newer engines....

But, I have a 2-6-4 from 1991(?) that lost it's mind due to the smoke unit.  The problem was there was no real seal between the smoke unit and the boiler shell.  So any overflow allowed the smoke fluid to flow back along the wiring to the engine's electronic reverse board.  That caused the ER to short constantly and it took a lot of cleaning and running to get it all "burned" off before the loco would run again.  I don't remember the loco number and I've extensively modified the engine to resemble a NKP 2-6-2, but it was an early 90's Santa Fe that used the 2036 type post-war boiler shell.  (Air whistle in the tender.)  Even storing the loco on it's side is a bad idea.  You may want to check the boards for any "oily" substances too.

Becky

[larryb8415]

I only used the smoke once or twice, but it'll be worth a look if all else fails. 

Thanks