track issue

[Anonymous]

im new to model railroading and i just got my uncles train set from him i hooked all the tracks but im not getting any power going through the tracks there is power from the wires but not on the tracks. if anybody could give me a answer or so advice on what the issue is could the tracks be bad they where out in a shed for a couple of years maybe its that i cant figure it out hope someone can anwser ,thanks

[Anonymous]

In a shed for a couple years? Well, they could be corroded. If you can get your hands on a bright boy that would be best. A bright boy is like an abrasive pencl eraser that is used to clean track. If you have a hobby shop locally they hsould have one. If that doesnt work then you dont have the wires connected to the track properly, but try cleaning the track first.

[selector]

Depending on their overall condition, you could soak the individual pieces in household vinegar for a couple of hours to let the acid eat away corrosion. Then bru***hem with a stiff brush, rinse them thoroughly...very thoroughly!..in fre***apwater, let them dry completely (over night) in a fairly well ventilated place where ambient humidity is not going to inhibit evaporation, and then use the Bright-boy over the re-assembled track.

Are the track-to-track joins solid? Snugg? They should be.

Then, power up. Test the track.

Don't be surprised if the locos still don't work well...or at all. They may need some TLC, too.

[Anonymous]

Did you try a voltmeter on the track to measure if any voltage is on the track at all?