Any advice? Please help!!

[Anonymous]

Hello, first Im Andy, and Im new here. Anyway, I was looking threw my grandmothers basement, and I found a Lionel train set. The tracks were all set up and everything but when I turned it on, nothing happened. I moved it around a little bit and in some spots it went and others it didnt, it just sparked when it got there. Any advice? What should I do, I would LOVE to get it working!! PLEASE HELP ME OUT!!! THANKS

[chuck]

Tracks probably dirty and you might have some loose wires.  Clean the track (wipe it off with some rubbing alcohol and an old tee shirt) and check the wires from the power supply to the tracks.  You may want to check the loco for lubrication needs as well.

[Anonymous]

Alright. Its been sitting down there for ever!! I will give it a shot and see what happenes.

[tapstrains]

Andy,

You will also need to have the transformer checked out to make sure it is working properly. No sense in chancing an electrical problem with a malfunctioning transformer.

It would be wise to take the transformer into a hobby shop that can repair Lionel products. Obviously you want to make sure the train set is safe to operate.

Good luck with your "new set of trains".

 

Steve Tapper

Northern Central High Railers

[dwiemer]

Andy,

     Welcome to the forum.  If your interest in Lionel "O" gauge continues, this is a great place to learn from.  One great feature is the search engine so you can look up questions that have been asked before.  As mentioned, you want to make sure the transformer is working well.  Make sure that the wires don't have any cracks in them as this is common with older cords.  Then, a good cleaning and lube of the trains is in order.  Depending on what type locomotive, etc, you have, we can give more specific instructions.  List the numbers from the side of the locomotive and any other operating units you have.  Gears mostly get grease, axles and armature ends get oil, but make sure you don't get oil on the brushes or commutator face.  Smoke units can be cleaned, but again, we need to know the specific engine to give you the details.

Dennis