What's my best course.....

[Anonymous]

I've got an HO set that's been stored (sometimes in very warm temps) for approx. 25 yrs. As it's time to resurrect it, I'm curious to know what I should/shouldn't do regarding maintenance/care etc., before I try and fire this set up for the first time in ages. I don't want to do any permanent damage (hopefully none has occured already) as it's the childhood set and has lot's of sentimental (and maybe economic?) value.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Al

[cwclark]

you might want to remove the locomotive shell and place a drop of wahls clipper oil on all the gears...you may also need to clean the track and the locomotive wheels of any oxidation that may occur on the metal surfaces...use a bright boy that you can get from a LHS..(it looks like a artist's eraser and has an abrasive that will remove oxidation yet leave the metal in place...) you might also want to check out the power pack and be sure it's safe to use...an ohm meter will be good for this

[Anonymous]

Thanks cwclark. Being a novice at this, I take it the Wahl's oil is something readily available @ hobby shops, but what is LHS? Retailer/online shop? I'm planning on getting a new powerpack anyway. I don't want to risk even trying the old one (it's gotta be 35 yrs old). Is there anything I should do relative to the actual electric motors in the locomotives or is that a matter more like an car alternator where when it goes, you replace it?

Thanks again for your insight.
Al

[mikebonellisr]

Steam or diesel?In any case,open it up,clean it,remove any oil/grease that may have turned to tar.Check the brushes if any,Lightly sand the commuter[I use a pencil eraser},clean out the grooves in the commuter,then apply light power,you may have to give it a little twist with your fingers to get it moving.Once it's moving,take the leads off,lube the engine lightly with the CORRECT oil or grease,Put the shell/boiler back on _you're good to go.I also use a product called conducta-lube,it works great.

[cwclark]

LHS = Local Hobby Shop...and the power pack should be ok if it hasn't been struck by lightening or rodents have chewed through the cords or anything like that..i have an old tyco pack that i use to operate my tortoise machines and it has been around since 1973....just go over the engine real good..make sure it's clean and oiled...(don't oil the motor but the bearings and any gears and it should run just fine...oh yeah, ..you can get wahl's clipper oil at those shops that sell beauty supplies...of course, you'll be the only guy in there but for wahl's clipper oil you can make concessions...LOL...Chuck

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the good info. Is using compressed air (like you do for the keyboards on computers) a good or bad idea when it comes to cleaning the engines?

Al

[cwclark]

i've never done that but sounds like a good idea...as long as you don't freeze the plastic parts from the cold compressed air i don't see how it could hurt it...Chuck

[Anonymous]

Good point. Thanks. Unfortunately time is running out to get it set up for x-mas, but it gives me an excuse to get down to the basement and "work" during the 'snowy' season
[(-D]

Al

[randybc2003]

You may have to turn the motor by hand if it is an open frame type. I have had some old time TYCO locos, and have to occasionaly remove the motor and spin them by hand to get them moving. Lube, and "run it in" again if necessary.

[Bikerdad]

When you use compressed air, make sure you aren't blowing it full force. 135psi compressed air can do some damage to small plastic parts and the like, especially since there's a good chance that the parts have become more brittle.