stored engine and etc.

[trackpenny]

I have my old Lionel set from 1958. It has not been run since 1960. I have a B/O diesel locomotive and a small track crew car. What should I do before using these items again? I assume there is some lubricating involved but am not sure after 50 years what I should do for safe operation? Any hints for the transformers, switches, etc. i would like to have it running for my grandson at Christmas. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[RockIsland52]

trackpenny

I have my old Lionel set from 1958. It has not been run since 1960. I have a B/O diesel locomotive and a small track crew car. What should I do before using these items again? I assume there is some lubricating involved but am not sure after 50 years what I should do for safe operation? Any hints for the transformers, switches, etc. i would like to have it running for my grandson at Christmas. Any help is greatly appreciated.

TRACKPENNY........Try reading this for starters!

http://ctt.trains.com/en/Collecting/Restoration%20and%20Repair/2009/03/Get%20your%20toy%20trains%20ready%20for%20the%20holidays.aspx

Then start asking questions here.  You are smart to start this now rather than wait until you get bogged down with other responsibilities as we approach the Holidays.

Jack

[RockIsland52]

TRACKPENNY......when I pulled my stuff out of their boxes for the first time in nearly two decades, it was just after Thanksgiving.  I had the same plan as you, a modest layout for Christmas and for my son. 

I had too little time, so I did the following.  Tested a couple of engines and the transformer. Took two of my engines into my local train shop for servicing.  Because the old track was a mess and needed too much work, I bought some new (tubular) track for the "around the tree" layout.  Bought a 4' X 8' piece of plywood as a base for the tree and the trains.  And then began cleaning and lubricating the cars.  Within two weeks I was off and running. 

Even my wife was pleased with how the trains, along with her lighted village pieces, transformed the feeling and the ambience back to a more traditional Christmas for her.  The trains around the tree have become a centerpiece for our holiday gatherings for the past 21 years.  And my grandchildren are now the third generation enjoying the very same trains I did so long ago.

Last Christmas I bought Lionel Fastrack to replace the tubular I had been using.  Expensive, but even my wife liked the more realistic appearance.     

Forgot to mention.....I gave my son a starter set for his very own that same Christmas as well.  You are going to have a blast with this entire idea with your grandson.  The rebirth of a holiday tradition may have alluded you for a while, but it sounds like you are on the right track.  

Jack.