Use a clean, dry paintbrush to remove superficial dirt and dust. This gets into all the cracks and corners very well. If the trains still appear dingy, gently applying a little Pledge or another mild furniture polish on a soft cloth usually works wonders.
Full Answer
How do you fix a locomotive that won't start?
Make sure all of the locomotives' wheels are on the track by sliding it back and forth gently. Try moving the engine to a different part of the track to rule out a loose rail joint or electrical connection. Start with the connection between the wires and the track, then the connections between the wires and the power supply .
Is it cheaper to repair or replace model trains?
If you have a broken locomotive or power supply, or if your model trains are no longer made, you may want to find a professional to make the repairs. For many current sets, it is cheaper to replace than repair.
How do I clean the inside of my car engine?
If you do notice heavy dirt or corrosion, it can usually be removed with some special abrasive cleaning blocks and liquid cleaners available at hobby stores. A strong eraser and rubbing alcohol will also work. Do not use steel wool. The steel shavings can be drawn into your engine's motor. Being sure that the power supply is working is important.
What to do when the engine stops working on the track?
Try moving the engine to a different part of the track to rule out a loose rail joint or electrical connection. Start with the connection between the wires and the track, then the connections between the wires and the power supply .
How do you service a HO train engine?
1:5512:39How to service an ho scale locomotive - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom getting to the motor. And it will pull them off. And make the motor run a lot better the secondMoreFrom getting to the motor. And it will pull them off. And make the motor run a lot better the second thing you want to do is take your flat heads and the little spaces on each plate of the commutator.
Why does my HO train keep stopping?
If your train slows down or stops only in certain spots, the problem is probably voltage drop. Distance and the joints between track sections weaken the flow of power. Tighten any loose joiners and, if necessary, run a second set of wires from the power supply to the track in the troubled area.
Why is my model train not moving?
Check All Electrical Connections Make sure nothing is loose, and the wires don't touch. Make sure the wires are connected to the terminals for the track and not accessories. Inspect the wires themselves to make sure they are not frayed or split. Check the electrical plug and socket, too.
How do you solder HO train tracks?
1:129:27How-to solder track & feeder wires (HO scale model railroad) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you won't have to mess with putting the solder to the rail you just need to put a little bit onMoreAnd you won't have to mess with putting the solder to the rail you just need to put a little bit on a tip but I like this way better you can just heat up. We're back and forth.
How do you clean old ho train tracks?
14:2519:06Stop Cleaning Your Track on Your Model Railroad - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo get your mineral spirits. And a good soft non-lint cloth and clean your rails really really wellMoreSo get your mineral spirits. And a good soft non-lint cloth and clean your rails really really well go over them multiple times until you stop getting that black gunk that old oxidation.
How do you get better electrical pickup in HO scale engines?
0:124:47A Simple Method of Electric Pick up for Model Trains HO Scale - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis problem can be overcome. By using a small copper tube as a collar on the axle of the metalMoreThis problem can be overcome. By using a small copper tube as a collar on the axle of the metal wheel.
How do you test a train transformer?
2:353:53MARX TRAIN ROOM / 25 WATT / BENCH TEST TRANSFORMERYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn it on let it run see how it runs but you can also like I said test light bulbs you can testMoreTurn it on let it run see how it runs but you can also like I said test light bulbs you can test anything that takes track power it only takes a minute to do this comes in really handy.
How do I service a model train?
1:256:07Model Train Maintenance: How To Service a Tri-ang LocomotiveYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should always start by cleaning the commutator. I prefer to clean it chemically rather than withMoreYou should always start by cleaning the commutator. I prefer to clean it chemically rather than with tools in order to avoid damaging it. I'm using nail polish remover.
Why does my model train keeps derailing?
A car may have been placed incorrectly on the track, or maybe a switch was thrown while a train was in the switch, and then it was thrown back. If you have a derailment, best thing to do is place the cars or engines back on the track, and to keep running them.
What is the best soldering iron for model railways?
It took me a while to find a soldering iron that provided these but my preferred choice — and a choice echoed on many on model railway forums — is the Antex range. And in particular, the Antex XS25 iron.
What is the difference between 60 40 and 63 37 solder?
Although 63/37 is the eutectic alloy, 60/40 is often used in practice as the slightly higher 5°C freezing range of 60/40 is of no practical significance and 60/40 is a little cheaper than 63/37. Under conditions of slow cooling, 60/40 may give duller joints than 63/37 but this is a purely cosmetic effect.
What is track soldering?
Track soldering is a method of soldering through hole components on a normal perfboard. The soldering tracks look similar to the PCB traces. But here the tracks are designed by you and not the CAD tool. Normal perfboard can be used to get high quality soldering like PCBs using this method.
How do you test a model train motor?
You can simply connect your wires directly to the locomotive and get a reading that way. Alternatively, if you have one isolated piece of track but not a complete circuit, you can use a nine-volt battery, which should supply partial throttle to your model if it's functioning properly.
How does a model train transformer work?
Unlike the AC electrical circuit in your house, the electricity that moves your locos is DC, i.e. Direct Current. The supply to your layout comes by plugging a power pack (also called a transformer) into a wall socket that takes the AC supply, steps it down to the 12-15 volts needed to run the trains.
How do you fix a Hornby train?
1:576:29How To Service & Repair Any Hornby 0-4-0 Loco - In Under 5 MinutesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou could use your nail if you've got long nails. Long nails and then just push in and then pull theMoreYou could use your nail if you've got long nails. Long nails and then just push in and then pull the Shafi out body.
How does a model train motor work?
When the train is placed on the rails, electricity flows through the rails to the wheels. Wires attached to contacts resting on the wheels then carry the electricity to a motor inside the train giving it the power to operate.
Repair and Maintenance of HO Scale Engines
Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others.
Repair and Maintenance of HO Scale Engines
I have a dozen engines which are in need of a good service and cleanup (you know like oiling, cleaning them up, changing bulbs stuff like that) I have no clue how to clean these engines and so I was asking experts like you guys what is the best source of info out in the market? Please can some one guide me to buy the best and very easy to understand (for a beginner) books, DVD’S ,Video tapes? Visual I always think is better then reading.
Ho Scale Engine Problems
Thank you so much for your response. Yes I did ask a similar question last time. The question was where or who could help me maintain my locomotives for a affordable price at a trust worthy place. This time I was asking was if there was any material (in the form of DVD’s, Video’s, Books) out there to maintain my loco’s myself.
What to do if you have a short circuit in a track?
If you have detected a short circuit in the track, check your wires again. A short circuit can occur any time one rail or wire touches the opposite rail or wire. If you have more than one set of power leads, make sure they aren't crossed. It is a good idea to color-code your wires.
What to do if you don't have an ammeter?
If you don’t have an ammeter, a simple test tool can be made with a low voltage light bulb and two short pieces of wire. If you don’t detect any current at the supply outputs, disconnect the wires to the track and test again . If you get a light, then you probably have a short in the track or wires.
Can you run a train with dirt?
If you’re setting up for the first time, you can probably skip this step entirely. Dirty track and wheels usually result in rough stop-and-go running, not a complete loss in power. If you’ve had the trains put away for a long time, especially in a damp environment, you could have corrosion or dirt build-up heavy enough to prevent operation altogether.
