Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Tracks
Examine each piece of track for signs of oxidation damage, which will either appear as crusty white or green. Take an oxidation remover like BioClean or Meguir's and make a mixture. Then dip a track with oxidation into a mixture. Allow anywhere from three to five minutes for the track to set. Remove the track and dry it with a clean track.
Examine tracks for rust. If you find any, apply rust remover like Evapo Rust or Bull Frog--be sure to follow the product directions.
Check tracks for bent pieces by putting the tracks together. If you find tracks that do not fit together tight enough, you'll want to fix the bent parts. Take pliers and gently bend the track connector back toward the track center. Repeat this until your tracks fit snugly.
Rub down pieces of of track with a towel containing a small amount of lubricating oil. Continue putting oil on the towel as needed. Buff the track with a clean towel; this helps create a slick surface for the train.
Train Cars
Place the cars of the train on a sturdy surface like a table. Put a towel down before you start working.
Take the train car and remove its body. You should have a good view of its inner workings. Use a magnifying glass or goggles to check inside for bent parts, rust, clumped oil, or parts that have become disconnected.
Repair any bent pairs by using a pair of pliers. Use tweezers to reset disconnected parts, then screw them back into place using a screwdriver.
Take a cotton swab dipped in degreaser and remove any built-up oil. Use the towel to wipe as needed. Then use a cotton swab dipped into oxidation remover to clean off any parts that have been oxidized. Once again, use the towel as needed.
Swab small amounts of oil onto the joined parts and mechanisms with a toothpick--do not use too much. Replace the body of the train and put it back in place.
Transformer
Plug your transformer into an outlet and turn it on. Listen to see if it is making a sound--if it is but the train is not moving, you have a connection problem.
Disconnect the transformer from both the outlet and track, then wait two to three hours for the transformer charge to dissipate. Be very careful to ground yourself.
Take a screwdriver and dismantle the transformer. Put the screws aside so you don't lose them.
Examine the transformer for any corroded, frayed, disconnected or broken wires. If you find any frayed wires, you will need to replace them with new ones and solder them in place. Use oxidation cleaner on any wires that have oxidation on them, then solder them back in place after you clean them.
Plug the transformer back in. If it does not work, then replace the plug. If it still does not work, you'll need a new transformer.