There is a "How to get your trains ready" article under collecting and then under restoration.
http://ctt.trains.com/en/Collecting/Restoration%20and%20Repair/2009/03/Get%20your%20toy%20trains%20ready%20for%20the%20holidays.aspx
Bob Keller
any thanks to all for the info.
Same for the track and the wheels, make sure they're clean and free of gunk to prevent arcing. Denatured alcohol is also a good cleaner.
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
pretty much SOP. give the wheels a bit of oil, pop the engine shell off and lighty oil the motor. check the pick up rollers for rust. a worn scothch brite will take care of that. don't use steel wool. check the transformer cord for brittleness. If it is, it's an easy change out. then have fun!
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
Just oil it up, make sure the power trucks wheels spin free, and give it a shot. If it doesnt run take it off so not to damage the motor. Check the cord on the transformer before plugging it in. Other than that, as long as it is clean and rust free, you cant do much else without taking it apart.
I have my circa 1958 Lionel set. It hasn't been run in over 50 years. I also hae a track car that is also this old. What should I do before trying to run the locomotive again. Also, would the transformer be ok? I want to run it for my grandson this Christmas. Any help is appreciated. It is a B & O GE switcher type. Not a steam type. I wish my mom had saved that one too.
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