Lionel 6-1383 Trying to get working

[DashBlastR]

Hello, everyone.  I'm new to the forum and am unlearned of the Model community so please forgive my ignorance.

My grandfather gifted me with a Lionel 6-1383 Sante Fe set about 45 years ago (1975).  This is an O27 train that I'm pretty sure could be purchased at any TG&Y, K-Mart, or Sears catalog (yeah, that long ago!).

I played with this train every year at Christmas because I cherished it and didn't want it broken.  In fact, my Grand-pap gave all the boys of the family (about 6 of us at the time) one of these trains and mine is the only one remainging.

Life happened (military/college/marriage) so into storage it went.  About 15 years ago, I pulled it out to show it to my then 5 year-old daughter hoping to share some magic.  Well, I hooked everything up and the best that happened was a hum from the transformer and a dim flicker of light within the Sante Fe diesel Locomotive - no locomotion at all.

I discovered a nearby modeler I'd recently met and took my set to him to review and see if it was worth anything.  Not that I'd get rid of it, but in case I needed to insure it.  He let me know that it wasn't worth much more than the memories (priceless) and everything electrical was tarnished and needing renewed.

I reluctantly put my childhood-set away, acquired a cheap plastic train set so my children would have something and went on with life.

Enter grandson . . .

This Christmas, I've been thinking of giving him a train set that might last him as long as mine has lasted me, but just can't afford the going price of a quality set.  I don't want the plastic sets out there - I just don't think they'd last.

I found an actual exact model of my set I purchased last week - model number and all and this set still has the logs and canisters for the cars!  I'm planning to get it in, check everything out to make sure it works then giving it to him.

Here are my questions:

1. The transformer I have is a Type-4125 (25 watts).  Can I replace this with a greater wattage transformer as I can't find anything this low.
2. Because this transformer is buzzing, should I replace it or is it still safe to operate?  Case and cord are still in great condition - no cracks, bare wires, etc.
3. Can anyone point me to a resource I can use to disassemble the locomotive for a long-overdue cleaning and lubrication?
4. I've found (on YouTube) instructions to clean my track by covering with vinegar for 24-hours/rinse with baking soda water/rinse with strait water/place in 200 degree oven.  Is this the best method?  Directions for alternative?
5. Should I just get rid of the O27 track altogether and go with newer O-guage?
6. Was I insipid for spending money on a 45-year-old train to give as a gift?  (I only spent $65 on it)
7. Would anyone happen to have any history on this train set?  Where it might have been purchased?  Price?

Mind you, I'm not swimming in disposable income so anything expensive will have to come with time.  I'm looking for the safest and most reasonable option I can exercise between now and Christmas to gift this to my grandson.

I'm adding a few pictures to help with identification.

Thank you to anyone willing to read this and respond.  I do know the modeling community is very generous with their time and idea as this seems to be vanishing hobby that too many don't get to experience.  I have always admired the work and detail many of you put into something that isn't always appreciated.

I appreciate it though.

Sincerely, -DashBlastR-

[Flintlock76]

OK, a few things.

Your original Lionel diesel may just be a victim of old, solidified and gummed-up oil and grease.  Same with the one you've just gotten if it's got the same symptoms as the old one.

I found a Lionel post-war diesel maintanance video on YouTube which may be of help to you.  The basics should be the same for a 1975 diesel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDqr3ncNYSk  

I'd also highly recommend a Lionel maintanance video from TM Books and Videos, I've got it myself and it's well worth the money spent.  

https://www.tmbv.com/

Here's the video.

https://www.tmbv.com/Maintenance-Repair-Guide-for-Lionel-Electric-Trains/productinfo/MAINT/

As far as cleaning the track the best (and less messy) thing to use is a Scotch-Brite pad and some elbow grease.  You only need to brighten up the railhead, don't worry about what's below it.  If the track's really a mess you might be better off buying new track, especially if the insulating papers on the old track are shot.

Any current production AC transformer will work with your trains.  The hum from your old ones is typical and nothing to be concerned about.  I would  want something with a bit more output than 25 watts though and there's no reason not to use something more powerful.

NOTHING wrong with buying a 45 year old train set!  Quite honestly a lot of us here are of the opinion it'll probably live longer than the high-tech units being produced now, but maybe I shouldn't go there.  

Hopefully I've been able to help you a bit.  I wish I was there looking over your shoulder!  And I hope some others chime in with advice!

aboard!

[DashBlastR]

@Flintlock76,

Thank you so much for this info!  It would be great to geek out together with someone over this stuff.  If you are ever in Arkansas, hit me up.  In Fort Smith, there is a Trolly museum where they have one car working and running and another one or two they are restoring.  Very interesting stuff.

I'll check out the videos this week and see if I can get that loco working better.

I've tried looking for new track, but it seems O27 just isn't a thing anymore.  I could step up to O and just go with the FastTrack if necessary.  We'll see what I get with this set coming in.

I'll look for a more powerful transformer.  I was just a little concerned an 80 watt would blow up my engine.  I suppose I don't fully understand the electrical just yet.

Again, thank you and cheers!