I have a couple older engines that I tested on a live track and seem to work, but they sputter. How do I clean them? and what type of cleaner can I use on the track and wheels to get the oxidation off?
Could you be a bit more specific about what kind of engines you have?
All of them are HO. One is a trolly car and the other two are deisels. I also have two steam engines but they are in pieces and I need to put them together. Hey as a little kid I took everything apart. Now I am starting from scratch with no knowledge and my sone would like to use the trains.
You would probably have much better luck if you post your question on the “Model Railroader” forum, where HO people hang out. This forum is for toy trains, like Lionel and American Flyer, that is, mostly O and S gauge tinplate.
In either the September or October edtions of MR, there were articles on cleaning and lubrication of engines both steam and diesel. Walthers make an abrasive-feeling eraser called a “Brightboy”. That should be able to do the job of getting your track clean. Dip a cotton swab into a track cleaning solution to do the wheels and contacts. Wipe afterwards.