Rejuvinating an Old Set

[Anonymous]

I started to build an HO layout eight years ago. I decided recently to rejoin the hobby. I got everything out and tried to run the trains on the track. The engine runs only sporadically. It will not run at all on some sections of the track.

Is this a clean track issue? I checked the wiring and there is voltage at the terminals. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Zeph

[Anonymous]

Yes, track has to be cleaned regularly, even on operating layouts. You did not say what kind of track you are using - brass or nickel silver. Brass is the worst, as it corrodes and the corrosion does not conduct electricity. Nickel silver's corrosion does conduct electricity but it is also affected by dust and dirt on the track.

Don't forget to clean the wheels on your locomotives, as they too accumulate dirt that prevents them from picking up power.

Good luck!

Bob Boudreau

[simon1966]

Hi Zeph,

If your set has sectional track, there is a good chance that some of the joiners that link the track are loose or have corosion. Prior to starting my basement layout, my sons and I used an Atlas train set with sectional track. Over time, I started to notice certain sections were very intermitent. I changed the joiners and all was well. Of course also make sure your track is clean as mentioned above and that the wheels of the locomotive are clean. If your set has been sitting in a box for years the loco probably could use a lube and tune up as well.

[Anonymous]

If your track has already been nailed down, you can fix the loose joiner problem by soldering the two rails to gether.

James

[dknelson]

In addition to the track, try touching wires from your power pack to the wheels of the locomotive. If it still runs sporadically then you have ID'd the problem. As posted above the wheels might be dirty but it can go beyond that. There could be dirt build up on your motor commutator (clean with a pencil eraser or a swap dipped in alchohol), the engine may need lubrication, and wire may be loose.
Dave Nelson

[mcouvillion]

zeph,

With an old set being rejuvenated, I suspect that you have only one track feeder to the layout and the engine has not been run in years. After cleaning the track surface, consider dropping new track feeders to the layout. If you do not know how, try to find someone locally who could show you how to solder wire to the outside of the rails. Try not to rely on rail joiners to transfer power - when you need for them to, they don't.

For the engine, use your transformer and a couple of wires with alligator clips to run it in a soft cradle upside down on your workbench or a table. Clip the wires to the engine to get the motor to run. If the tranformer hums real loud, you have a direct short and have connected the wires wrong. Once the engine is running, you can clean the wheels and lubricate it, allowing it to "loosen up" after its long rest. Use a small strip of very fine sandpaper (600 grit or higher) to poli***he wheel treads while it is running. If it won't run well after a while, you may need to tear it down to clean the motor, check the wiring, and lubricate it. I use Dexron II transmission fluid for all my model railroad lubrication needs. Use a needle oiler to get just enough to any location you need. Since it does not conduct electricity, you can use it on the motor's bushings too. Don't use oil, as it will eventually gum up and require that you clean out the gum before relubricating. Tranny fluid won't gum up. Good Luck .

Mark C.

[Anonymous]

Make sure the engine is lubed...Old diesels have an oil hole at each truck..

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. This is really good advice. Now if I can just convince my wif that I need another hobby. [;)]