cleaning old engines

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have a number of 25-30 year old HO engines that I would like to start using again after 20+ years of storage.

Can anyone recommend a good source of information on how I should go about cleaning them to run again like they used to. I have tried to use them recently, and even with a clean track they are pretty sluggish.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Kevin Turner

[Anonymous]

The grease in the trucks has probably hardened over time. I would suggest you start by dismantling the trucks and washing them in warm water with a little washing up liquid (a good degreaser for plastic parts) Then, reassemble and regrease. You may also need to add a drop of oil to each motor bearing, and clean the wheels. This should help.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I was in a similar situation when I returned to model railroading. Although I quickly concluded that about half of my old engines were not worth bothering with from the viewpoint of poor appearance and poorly designed power trains, I had half a dozen or so reasonably nice ones (mostly Rivarossi).

First thing you need to do is REALLY clean the wheels. I found that pencil erasers worked well for this; just make sure you also remove the rubber grit that willcome off the erasers. Then follow up with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip.

If that doesn't do the trick, then you are looking at disassembly, removal of the existing lubricating grease, and replacing it with a good-quality hobby lube such as those sold by LaBelle Industries. When locomotives have been in storage for lengthy periods, and especially if it is an area such as an attic or storage shed subject to temperature and humidity extremes, the lubricating grease often hardens. After 20 years you probably should disassemble the locos and replace the lube even if you do get them running OK with a simple wheel cleaning. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

[#welcome] to the forum Kevin

You'll get a lot of very good help here on the forum! Happy to see you join our little community.

[orsonroy]

Kevin,

Probably your best bet is to completely disassemble the engines, let the echanical parts soak in 91% alcohol, and scrub them with an old toothbrush. This should get all the gunk off the parts, allowing you to them reassemble the engine and re-lubricate. You can clean the commutators and brushes on the motor with alcohol and a Q-tip. I've resiscitated several old Mantua steamers this way, and it works well. Of course, I generally strip the paint and complete refini***hem while I'm at it.

[Anonymous]

The best tool I have for cleaning older locomotives is a sonic cleaner purchased from Micro-Mark. It is large enough to hold the locomotive (sans tender) and it will clean all the gunk and crud from all parts of the locomotive. It does not damage electrical parts and pieces. I use it to clean freight car trucks, small tools and small electrical motors. It did cost more than I wanted to spend at the time, but it has proven its worth.

Steam is good.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Let me add that the ultrasonic cleaner will take all the paint off your locomotive. This might be a drawback for many, but by the time my locomotives need that level of cleaning, they generally need new paint as well. Also, detail pieces that are not mechanically attached to the locomotive usually end up in the bottom of the cleaner. The cleaner has no respect for any glue or adhesive I am using. I remain a fan of the ultrasonic cleaner despite the potential problems. What works for me may not work for others.

Steam is best..

Tom