I just go back into the hobby after almost 20 years absence. I have been test running my engines, I have approx 18 engines. Most ran as if they were right out of the box, some needed a little nudge to get going and then ran very good after a few laps around the main line. One engine, my favorite, it was customed painted, decorated etc for me about 18 years ago. It keeps stalling and is throwing out a great deal of sparks at the wheels. Does it just need a good cleaning and lube or could there be other issues with it. I assume all the others need a good going over.
I would sure start with a very thorough cleaning, especially of any lubricated parts. Any oil or grease may have congealed. Wheel cleaning is also very important as is the track if it has been in storage for twenty years.
If the cleaning requires some disassembly you might as well check all of the electrical connections, too. Any unsoldered connections may have corroded resulting in problematic conductivity.
Good luck!
Hi, and welcome back!
I ditto the previous poster's advice - it is right on.
Even when I put HO locos in a display case and kept them there for 5 years, they sure did need some lube (not too much), especially around the motor armatures. Sometimes places to lube are hidden, so be aware of that. Sparking is typically due to dirt/grease/whatever where the electrical contacts or wheels touch the rails.
I would strongly recommend cleaning and lubing the locos (and cars) before you run them on the layout, as they will only muck up the railheads and spread to the clean locos/cars.
Gee, how do I know this???
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central