Pre/Post War Lionel...Found my hobby!!!

[nitroboy]

Great to have you!!! I got my start with prewar trains, fell in love with them. You got yourself some nice accesories. My input, don't get rid of them yet, you never know what you might want to do with them later.

If you don't want to work on them yourself, you should have them looked at by a service person. Things that old tend to lock up from dried grease, short out from crumbling wire, just to name a few. If you have transformers, they REALLY should be looked at. Don't plug it in if the cord is frayed.

These things, even though old, clean up dang good, and run like champs. They really aren't hard to work on, so if you need help with one, let me know.

[ben10ben]

Congratulations on your newly found hobby, and welcome to the forum!!

I'm a postwar and modern guy myself, but still live the looks and operation of pre-war trains(despite not owning any). Most pieces from this period were built so that your average Dad(or kid under 12) could take them apart, and(usually) put them back together. Before you take on any serious repairs, though, I would suggest the purchase of the Complete Service Manual for Postwar Lionel trains currently being printed by K-line. It has an MSRP of $20, but I paid $13 for mine brand new from a dealer, and it can be had several places elsewhere for about that.

Are there any particular pieces you are looking for? I might would be interested in trading some pieces of mine for other halfway decent or fixer-upper Pre/Postwar pieces.

[Anonymous]

For years I have been telling my wife that I need a hobby.Recently my Father visited and left me with a cedar chest full of Pre and post war lionel trains and track. My first reaction was to find there value and sell. However, afterunloading them and getting a closer look, I seem to have a new love.I've been getting as much info online as possible, but am anxious to take them to a hooby shop to see if they work. I've got a few accessories that need work... Any help would be appreciated. The 151 semiphore,97 coal oper. and the313 bascule bridge. all need some replacement parts but mostly a good cleaning. I fear they need to be dis-assembled for a thorough cleaning. If any body is interested, I could post my collection for maybe possible trades. Will troll this board daily. very happy and excited to be here.