Model Train Store

How to Take Care of Your Model Trains

Ian — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

All the components necessary to build up a successful model train layout are expensive – locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, power controllers, buildings, landscaping, to list just some – these are all expensive. It is no wonder that the hobby of setting up and maintaining a model train collection is considered one of the more costly hobbies that you can become involved in. However, that does not stop many thousands, may be hundreds of thousands of people, spending a considerable amount of money on their model train collections.

Because of the significant amount of money you will have invested in establishing your model train collection, it is essential that you should take all the necessary measures to ensure that it is properly cared for. You would not want to have your investment to end up in the trash.

You will find that taking good care of your model train collection will save you a significant amount of money for repair and maintenance in the years to come.

The following simple guidelines should remind you of the basic essentials of the good habits you need to develop that will help take care of your very valuable model train collection and maintain it in prime working condition:

make sure you store the most expensive parts of your model train collection – the locomotives and rolling stock -all the wagons, carriages, etc in a safe place when they are not in use. They should preferably be in a cupboard or containers to prevent dust and moisture affecting them. If you have your model train layout in your garage or in a basement, make sure it is damp proof;

make sure you always wipe dust and dirt off the model train collection components. Use a soft cloth or a soft sponge when doing this. This will help prevent dirt accumulating, particularly in many of the surface ridges. An accumulation of dirt can potentially, over time, destroy the paintwork and can inhibit the proper functioning of any of the individual items;

if you are using batteries to operate your model train, as many people still do, take them out of the train if you will not be using your train for some time. Batteries leak if not in use for a period of time. The leakage could damage the model train because the chemicals in batteries are harsh and abrasive;

if you are operating electric control of your trains, make sure the tracks which carry the current are kept clean. Otherwise the proper functioning of your model train layout can be severely affected;

let the locomotive of your model train run on its own power. Try to avoid touching a locomotive when it is operating. Doing so can often cause damage to the motor.

While you may find that the tasks of maintaining your model train collection properly, such as keeping it clean and safely stored, are somewhat tedious, and tend to detract from the enjoyment you get from having and operating your model trains on your layout, the development of good maintenance habits will, in the long run, add to your enjoyment by providing a well functioning, good looking model train collection.

And – it will save you money by not requiring costly replacements for poorly functioning components.

John Vanse, a model train enthusiast, has a network of model train sites – all relating to aspects of establishing and maintaining your model train collection. These sites can be accessed through the key site : The Model Train Guide

How do I find out how much my model train set is worth?

I have an old model train set, possibly an antique, I’m not exactly sure, how do I find out how much it is worth? Thank you for your time!

Answer
Look on ebay for a similar train set

How to Take Care of Your Model Trains

Ian — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

You will find that taking good care of your model train collection will save you a significant amount of money for repair and maintenance in the years to come.

let the locomotive of your model train run on its own power. Try to avoid touching a locomotive when it is operating. Doing so can often cause damage to the motor.

And – it will save you money by not requiring costly replacements for poorly functioning components.

How do I convert a Model train locomotive to a dummy unit?

i have a HO scale locomotive and the engine wont work. I want to convert it to a dummy. It is a steam engine. I removed the engine, but its wheels don’t turn like a dummy units, and my working engines can pull it. so how do i do it, the CORRECT way?

Answer
Unless I’m mistaken, unless you removed the side rods, they should stay synchronized. But, in order to get it to roll like a dummy unit, besides removing the motor, you’d also have to remove the gears from inside the gear box. At the very least, remove the worm gear. That’s the gear that looks like a screw.

How to Take Care of Your Model Trains

Ian — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

You will find that taking good care of your model train collection will save you a significant amount of money for repair and maintenance in the years to come.

let the locomotive of your model train run on its own power. Try to avoid touching a locomotive when it is operating. Doing so can often cause damage to the motor.

And – it will save you money by not requiring costly replacements for poorly functioning components.

What is the best way to strip paint off of a brass HO scale model train locomotive?

I recently aqcuired some brass HO scale engines. I have never had brass, and the paint schemes that the previous owner had do not match my era. How do I strip the paint effectively without obviously damaging anything? Thanks!
Now, is there anything that I can use to dip the shells with? There are alot of small detail pieces, and rubbing them is not going to work as the small parts will most likely break or bend. I do not know what kind of paint it is either. I would think that there has got to be something that I can use just to dip the shells??

Answer
I’ve heard of people dipping the model into a bucket of pine-sol solution! Let it soak for a while, and watch the paint just peel off!!