what should I have to operate a train?

[Anonymous]

I have a train to put up for christmas, but what all does it take to operate one? place is in my living room around the upper shelf 15 ft by 15 ft room. I have the train. I need track I know.

will it be expensive or should i stick to a basic oval for now? what controller is a good one since i'm getting into it I want one that will last?

will I have to lube the engines before I run them since they havent been ran for a while? and where? best lube?

thx for putting up with my beginner questions

Thx Cade

[Roger Bielen]

Hi Cade.

Your questions raise other questions that wil be asked by those offering advice. Before selecting the track you'll need to know what diam. track the engines, and if passenger cars, require. Many older items are able to run on O-27 track while other require a min. of O-31, some newer engines have a min. of O-72. The numbers are the nominal diam. of a circle of track.

As for a controller, transformer, it will depend on how deep you intend to get into the hobby. You can get a basic 80watt unit that is good for one, maybe two trains on up to the big multi train controllers or if you will be using TMCC or DCS you'll want to get equipment compatible in the future. Whatever you choose a 15 ft. square would require power connections at several points to prevent the engine dieing from voltage drop along the way.

For getting an old engine ready to run it is best to try to remove any old grease and gunk the is visible on the motor, especially on the wheel surfaces. I would oil the axel ends and if the motor shaft is exposed, or has an oil hole, a drop there. A little is best rather than a lot. On the gearing a good quality grease is needed, again sparingly. Whatever lubes you use they should be compatible with plastic, the best best is to stop in a hobby shop that deals with trains.

I'm sure mine is but the first response you'll receive and others will fill in the details. Be ready for more questions, i.e. what type of engines and numbers.

[Anonymous]

most or all of the trains i have are lionel. one steam and tender is H.O. but no cars for that one. so lionel is my focus. one i just cleaned was a steam loco. lionel #1001 w/ tender. this one i'm having trouble with finding in the books as far as value. any body know this one?

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor is In !!! First: Welcome Aboard !!! As to your steamer, #1001w/Tender: Is it plastic or metal? Acording to Greenburg's Price list, please remember that these are like the kelley blue book, sellers may ask higher or lower prices. That being said, The steamer w/Tender in plastic is $22.00 in good / $41.00 Exc. In Die cast: $275.00 Good/
$600 Exc. These were Low end steamers when they first came out, but times change. Good Luck with your shelf pike. Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble Yet Strangly Evil Doctor !!![}:)]

[daan]

I guess all you need to have to run a toytrain is a train, track and a transformer.. But I guess that answer is too obvious..

[Anonymous]

ok, stupid question......everything is diecast except the engine body (cab), so..................... Does that mean its the plastic one? and it definately is not new, but in excellent shape. mars but no scratches. thx for the prices though. and which greenberg book were you looking at? i looked at one book (post war) and it didnt have that # in it. thx to all you guys that replied. things are starting to sink in.

cade

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

cade_cvd, The Doctor is in !!! I was using the Greenburg Price guide for Lionel trains 1901-2005. And yes, that means the plastic one. By the way, the only "stupid question" is the one you don't ask!! Please feel free to ask questions, we all started the same way, But some of us did not have this fourm to go to when we started (in my case, early 1960's) so you are lucky to have this forum to ask your questions, and when you have learned much information, you will be the one helping someone else.
Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble Yet Strangly Evil Doctor !!![}:)]