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Lionel Trains
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#Post#: 677--------------------------------------------------
Train won't run--bad track?
By: Guyster Date: July 26, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Is it possible for Lionel track to go bad? I just bought modest
load of used Lionel stuff on ebay, and the locomotive runs on
sections of track, but stops when I add too many sections. It
won't run at all when I have a complete circle, oval, figure 8,
whatever--no matter how small the circumference. I used Emory
cloth to clean the top of the rails. Can you suggest anything
else?
#Post#: 678--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: chessie41 Date: July 26, 2014, 6:46 pm
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What lionel track are you using and what engine are you using.
#Post#: 679--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: djacobsen Date: July 26, 2014, 7:12 pm
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Guyster
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
Oh! The pain of used track.....
Okay, you purchased a "load" of used track off an online
auction site,
first thing you need to do is clean the connector pins & holes
they fit into, your Emory cloth will work for that.
I'm guessing that you have tubular track, so after cleaning the
pins & holes, you'll want to make sure the pins fit tightly into
the holes of the joining track. You can use a needle nose
pliers to crimp the track below the holes and pins, if you don't
have a pair of track pliers, to tighten/crimp the track.
You don't say if you have rusty track, so will just recommend
your basic track eraser to clean your rail.
A green scotch bright pad is used by some people, but if you use
one to clean your track, do it somewhere that the dirt/mess/crud
that you will create does not annoy "She Who Must Be Obeyed"
(SWMBO).
DO NOT DO IT ON HER CARPET, KITCHEN TABLE OR ANYWHERE ELSE SHE
MAY BE UPSET ABOUT!!!
Do Not use Steel Wool to clean you track, that creates little
bits of dirty steel wool that can & will ruin your locomotive.
Remember elementary school science class where they spread iron
filings on a piece of glass and moved it about with a magnet?
Think big magnet shaped exactly like your locomotive...........
You will also want to make sure your wheels and pickup roller or
slider, which ever your locomotive has are clean.
You can lubricate the pickup roller with a small drop of
electrical conductive oil on each side of its' axle. Also good
time to lubricate your locomotive & axles on your cars, use
small drops of a light plastic compatible oil.
You can use heavy aluminum foil to clean off some of the
oxidation on the rail head, leave the rest..
Natural weathering, ya' know.....
Some of my track is 75+ years old and works just as good as the
brand new stuff, it just isn't all shiny..
Happy Rails!
Dave
#Post#: 680--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: Guyster Date: July 26, 2014, 7:29 pm
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Thanks For the responses--esp. For Dave's extensive clinic! And
it seems like I have a bit of bench work ahead of me, in order
to get the track in shape :-\. The track is the classic, old
stuff and is oxidized but not rusty. The locomotive appears to
be the cheapest option for its era. I bought the "set" for my
4.5 year old boy to get started with trains. My dad was a
fanatical model railroader, who, during my childhood, tried,
unsuccessfully, to recruit me into the fold. Now that I am
older, I find I have a fondness for it, but I am an amateur!
Guy
[attachment deleted by admin]
#Post#: 681--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: djacobsen Date: July 26, 2014, 7:53 pm
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Guy,
your little 8625 is a good basic beginner locomotive, just make
sure to clean the wheels and pickup roller & lubricate it.
It's post 1970 production, I'm guessing MPC era.
I added a little to my original reply, so you my want to reread
it.
If you have any other problems or questions don't hesitate to
ask.
Happy Rails!
Dave
#Post#: 682--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: Conductor Date: July 26, 2014, 8:03 pm
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Guy,
Welcome to the Forum! Hope your boy enjoys the new train setup
once she's up an running!
#Post#: 683--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: Guyster Date: July 27, 2014, 7:57 am
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Dave, thanks again for all the detailed advice, and I'll be
getting to my maintenance work directly. And, thanks to the
others for their interst and welcoming messages. Guy
#Post#: 684--------------------------------------------------
Re: Train won't run--bad track?
By: djacobsen Date: July 27, 2014, 10:39 am
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Guy,
If you haven't read them yet, I would suggest you read through
the pinned threads in the
Lionel Maintenance & Repair sub-forum. There's lot's of good
information & tips there.
Happy Rails.
Dave
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