Help! New to Model trains

[jketchum]

I purchased a train collection many years ago after the passing of a family member.  He was the original owner of these Lionel model trains, track, accessories, etc.  They've been in storage for 10+ years.  

I am considering selling them, but not sure of their condition.  Some are in good shape, others not so much.  I tried tonight to setup my first oval track to see if the engines would work.  No luck from the US Army model 41.  But the Wabash 2367 circled the track a few times but has now stopped.  When given power it lights up, but will not move at all.  Any ideas or suggestions?  (I didn't realize how much fun this could be until i saw the engine circle the track the first time!)

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[KRM]

Joe, 

Sounds like they just need a cleaning and service. The old grease will get hard and dry and keep them from running. So you will need to clean it out and put new lub into them. As for price, just see what is going on with them on E-bay. Do a advance search to see what they have been going for over time.

[EIS2]

I certainly would not sell them until you have had a chance to experience the hobby.  Playing with toy trains is a great way to relieve stress.

It is extremely rare to find postwar trains that cannot be easily fixed, unless they have extensive physical damage.  

Most engines just need a good cleaning of the brush plate and e-unit drum.  Many times you can accomplish that with just a spray of contact cleaner (that is plastic safe) on the brush plate and e-unit drum.  Next clean off the old grease from the gears and put on fresh gears.  Then place a drop of oil on any parts that rub against another part (axles, side rods, etc.).

The next most common problem, is a wire that has come loose.  You generally have to remove the shell to see broken wires.

The maintenance is relatively easy.  Lubrication and spraying of the brush plate takes me about two minutes.  A complete engine disassembly for a more thorough cleaning and lube takes me about a half hour.

Good luck.  I hope you find the train hobby captivating as many, many people have.

Earl

[tinplatacis]

My 2243 engine, same mechanism I believe, did the same thing when I first got it. The wire unsolder end itself from the original spot, needed to be resold erred.

[Firelock76]

Welcome to this wonderful hobby of ours!  You've gotten some good advice, but if you're not sure of your skills find a hobby shop that can help you out.  If they don't do repairs they probably know someone who does.

You've taken the first step on an amazing journey that will last the rest of your life!

[Penny Trains]

jketchum

But the Wabash 2367 circled the track a few times but has now stopped.  When given power it lights up, but will not move at all.  Any ideas or suggestions?

Lionel locomotives have a device called an E-Unit which is an electronic reversing device.  Most better locos have a "3 position" type that cycles the motor to run forward and reverse.  Each time the power is turned off, the unit cycles to the next position: forward-neutral-reverse-neutral and so on.  (Some locos have E-Units that skip the neutral and a few were wired to run forward only by the way.)  But all E-Units have a lock-out lever that allows you to lock the train into a specific E-Unit mode.  On diesels, these levers can protrude through the top of the body or hang below.  Your E-Unit lever may have slipped into lock-out while the loco was in neutral and that may explain why you see lights but no movement.  While cleaning and lubrication are essential, try fiddling with the E-Unit lever and see if your loco starts working again.

Becky

[servoguy]

Your locos definitely need to be lubed.  Cleaning is optional unless someone filled a gearbox full of grease and the grease dried and became concrete.  Use 5W-20 motor oil for everything.  It never dries out.  Don't use Lionel Lube, 3 in 1 oil, light machine oil, sewing machine oil, lithium grease, most greases as they all dry out and become gummy or like concrete.  I have been using motor oil exclusively for 50 years and have rarely disassembled a loco to clean it.  In fact, if you have dried grease on gears, the motor oil wil soften the grease and make it grease again.

[KRM]

Joe, your new here so.

Take note, you will get a lot of answers here. Many are opinions and only that.  Do your homework and decide. What worked 50 years ago has been out dated by the new lubrication products you can get today. 50 years ago they did not have synthetic lubricants for model trains. They do today and they blow away anything made back then. JMHO.

Oil colects dust....................... what ever kind so cleaning is always a good idea.

Enjoy the hobby! 

[rtraincollector]

As I have stated before but some can not understand that todays lubes ( and as far back as the 70's don't dry out. I have engines lubed by lionel that far back and are fine now would I clean them first and then relube yes but I have run them out of the box and it has been fine the white lube was still very soft. Not saying anything about other oils/lubes but I have mainly used Lionel style for at least 40 years with no problems. You have some in here that will swear by this or that or what have you to me you need to find what works best for you. Me I do fine with what was stated above and mine sit for long periods with no problems. Some like a red grease or something like that can't remember completely what it is at this time but remember hearing it before as Kevin had said others will swear this way or that way you need to try some things on your own also but we will tell you what we use some will tell you its the best is it maybe who knows I'm not here to argue that just that I know what works fine for me with no problems and let you know there is other things that work fine and don't gum up as some will have you believe

[fixall]

Joe:

I can help you if you like.  I have been repairing and restoring Lionel trains for many years.

Ken's Lionel Restoration & Repair web site is here:

http://kenslionelrestoration.com/

Thanks

Ken

[Andrew Falconer]

Which tranformer is being used?

What gauge of wires are from the transformer to the tracks?