I am new to all this and have no clue what i am doing. i have 2 trains set. that i have had from when i was 5 and 7 years of age. they both as been in storage for about 35 years. i would like to get at least one of them up and running for my kids and maybe pick up the hobby.
From what i can tell in doing some reading about my Spirit of 76 desisel. there is not much hope.
My second has no marking other than Santa Fe on the back slated coal box and 99 on what appears to me a steam engine. it has a hole of front part of of the engine for smoke to come out and maybe working light of the front of the cylinder body.
the problem with both engines the wheels have little to no movement.
You will first have to research “locomotive maintenance” on the search function of this board. Carefully take apart the loco noting where all parts go back. Clean electrical contacts and all old grease and oil off the gears and wheels. If you do all this and get it put back together correctly you can hook up some track and see if the locos have life in them.
It gives a quick overview on how clean and lube a loco. After 35 years the lube has dried up and and needs to be cleaned and re lubed. An easy and cheap start to get them running again
Cd, The wheels should not rotate by hand. The turning of the motor rotates the gears that turn the wheels.
I would clean the top of the track and the engines wheels with some rubbing alcohol on a cloth or Q-tip then hook up some track add power and see if they move.
After 35 years, my guess is that these locos aren’t going anywhere without stripping 'em down and cleaning and lubing them.
Even then, train set quality locos may never recover. I’m pretty sure that Spirit of '76 one is a Tyco, and they’re not worth much.
Your track is likely made out of brass as well. Over time, it will oxidize and become non-conductive. Dip a rag in denatured alcohol and rub the rails until no more black crud comes off. That way you’ll know you’re getting good electrical contact.