I haven't run my Lionel trains since 1960, will trying possibly harm them?

[Lyon Ell]

Thanks to all four of you for the informative replies  (and so quickly!)

[servoguy]

Yes, you can damage the engine by running it., and it is not going to run very well.  It should be disassembled and lubed before you run it.  Any grease has long since dried out, and any light oil has evaporated.  These engines must be disassembled to be lubed, and if you don't know how to do this, I suggest you take it to a professional.  Running an engine which is not properly lubed is the most common way that engines are damaged.  

Bruce Baker

[Boyd]

At least there aren't any flat tires to deal with. Welcome back to the hobby. A lot of new products have come out in the last 25 years.

[rtraincollector]

it would help to clean and lube them as they have set so long but the 2343's are good engines and may just start up and run fine. but as sj said check the cord on the zw first and you may want to get a scotch brite to go over the track as sure its dirty

[sir james I]

First check the AC cord on the ZW if its brittle don't plug it in. As for the engines a good grease and oil is in order here, but they might just fire up and go, get them lubed though for sure.

[Lyon Ell]

Recently I re-discovered my Lionel trains.  They are postwar, were my older brother's originally and handed down to me.  The last time I ran them was in 1960 when I was eight.  I am anxious to see if they work.  Should I just place them on the track, turn on the ZW and see what happens, or should I have them professionally looked at first?  I do not want to harm them or burn up the motors.  Specifically I am talking about my Santa Fe 2343 F-3 diesel with war bonnet colors from 1952.

Thank you!