Steve, here's a link from our gracious web host showing a couple of books you could look for:
http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/toy-trains-books-repair-and-operation.html
The Greenburg 45-69 Repair Guide won't tell you everything you'll need to know to fix trains, but it has a lot of breakdownd and illustrations of items and parts, so it will help you greatly. Some items in the book are covered pretty in depth, and some are not - STILL this is a book worth having.
There is a second Greenburg Repair Guide for modern era trains 1969-1986, I believe are the years. This book is out of print and become rather pricey. If you see one for a deal, BUY IT! Not only are they getting hard to find, but not cheap anymore. The Dick Teal book is more of a "how to do" book and is worth having for someone just starting like you.
Classic Toy Trains magazine has done some great articles over the years on repair and maintenance of this or that train item... the milk car, the merchandise car, MPC diesels, various accessories - all helpful and good articles. If you see a box or pile of old CTT's, you might want to flip through them, looking at the covers as usually the article will be highlighted there.
And your idea of buying beaters is good... that's the best hands on way to learn how to repair, rebuild and restore.
brianel, Agent 027
"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."
I'll second the The Greenburg 45-69 Repair Guide. I have been lucky enough to find most of the information I need on what I need to repair.
The 2025 is probably a good engine to start with.
Kurt
Thanks O27 and Kurt. I'll give it a look. STEVE
PS I didn't know you were an Ann Arbor guy. I'm from Owosso.
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