I recently inherited a O-gauge train set from my Dad. I have no experience and would like to preserve the pre-war collection as much as possible.
What should I do to the locomotives, track, cars, transformers and anything else before I get started? Everything seems to be in great condition, but I do not think they have run for more than 35 years.
Any direction is appreciated
bosdarros,
I will not attempt to answer your question although I think you are very wise to ask. Perhaps you will edit your post to include the make and model numbers of your train set and its transformer. This will make it much easier for someone else to give you a hand.
There is another major forum associated with O-gauge Railroad magazine that you can try.
Much has already been written on both forums, so you might also try their built-in search functions.
Good luck.
wolverine
Thanks,
The transformer is a A.C. Gilbert model 8 (100 watts) and I can only identify two of the three locomotives. They are; 262 Lionel line, a Lionel 1655 and the third only has the number 429 on the sides.
Thanks
[#welcome] to the forum. I think the answer has to be set them up and try them. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Do you need help setting them up? We can talk you through the process. It’s not difficult.
1655 is a pre-Scout engine, made in 1948-9. VG value about $40. 262 was made in 1931-2 . VG value about $200. Enjoy them! Joe
If they are in good visual shape, add a drop of oil on the gears, axle bearings and roller pickup and get them on the track. Check the transformer cord and plug for any wear or damage. If you’re not trusting it, replace the cord and plug or let it check over at a hobby store which also does repairs.
If the rails ar rusty, a scotch brite pad can do miracles with it. Probably the engines will work fine after a bit of TLC.
If you have any problems, just ask, and we’ll try to provide you the answers.
Run them slow at first and let the old oil and grease warm up. After running a bit, clean out the old gunk, re-lube and have fun! The 8B transformer is one of my favorite transformers. Inexpensive, reliable and for a medium size layout adequate.
I got one engine to slowly go around the track a few times and then the transformer overload light would come on. I am going to the local hobby shop to have the all the engines checked out ant to purchase all the incidental things I might need to get everything working. I have a lot of signals, light and other items that look like they should be re-wired.
If I want to run a fair amount of track and all the other electrical items (there are about 10), what type of transformer would people suggest?
I told my Dad I was setting it up, apparently for the first time in forty years, and he sounded like a kid as he described all the pieces. It gave me incentive to get it going and to do it right!
One more thing that I can think of: Do NOT use steel wool to clean the track. It will get in the motor magnets and cause all sorts of horrible problems.
Is the engine a 262 or 262E? The value is differant according to Greenberg’s price guide. The 429 has two versions; one is dark green body & roof ($250 to $385), the other is orange body & roof with an apple green window ($390 to $890). The 1655 has
a value around $35 to $70 with the tender #6654W, should be a whistling tender.
Remember one thing about the value on these items: this book prices and what somebody will pay you are not the same! I doubt that you want to sell but I thought that I would give the current book prices any way.
As to track it can be more of a hassle to clean than to replace with new, the regular track does not have much value, only switches and cross-overs or uncoupling tracks
may bring some money.
Thanks for all the info.
I have constructed a 85’‘X125’’ platform, cleaned the track, had the locomotives checked out and now am ready to start putting it together…I imagine this is where the hard part begins…getting things to work.
Thanks again