How can i refurbish my train set back to its old self..?

Question

i have all the trains and tracks landscapes, buildings and controls etc. but none of them work.. help please?

its about 6ft long and 4ft wide

Answer 1

Gerrard-

This is always a fun project.  I have done this a couple of times for friends.  

The first thing I normally start with is a piece of track, the power supply and the locomotives.  I disconnect the power supply from the layout and connect it to a piece if track, then try to power a locomotive or two.  If the locomotives will power up and move, then I know the Power Supply is OK, though normally, I'd use it to power accessories on the layout, and purchase a new one for main track power.

Once I get a couple of locos to at least move, then I will open them up and start cleaning contacts, wheels, and change out any parts that can be purchased from your local hobby store.  But only if the parts are broken, or have decayed because the trains were not properly stored during their "vacation".

As for the layout, the next thing I do is start checking the wiring.  This is a long task, and if I slide under the layout and it looks like a bowl of spaghetti, I normally cut all of the track leads and start fresh, especially if the circuits are really bad.  Just be sure that you leave enough on the feeder leads that you can reconnect them to track power once you have cleaned up the mess.  The only reason I go this route, is to eliminate any shorts or open circuits.  Just be sure to pay attention to block switches that change direction or power blocks in a crossover, (if equipped).  

Document everything as you are going.  Especially the track power.  Replace any switches necessary.  The next thing I will do is solder the rail joints if they have not already been done.  Again, just be aware of blocks on your layout, so you don't cause a short when you power it up.  

However in you case, since this one is fairly small, and sounds like its a single loop on a piece of plywood, I would say solder all of the rail joints.

Now the landscaping is going to be a little tricky, and you may loose a tree or two, so just be prepared to do a little fresh landscaping.  I use the compressed air cans from your local electronics stores, and a vacuum.  I will start in one area with the compressed air in one have and the vacuum hose in the other using short quick bursts to remove the dust and get it into the vacuum without disturbing too much on the layout.  

There is also an attachment that I purchased that is designed for cleaning models and things.  Its available in the Micro Mark Catalog.  This has a soft brush, and I normally use this to clean the buildings, figures, trees, rolling stock, track, and locomotives.  It attaches directly to your vacuum.  It works very well without lifting the kitty litter, (oops ballast), from your track.  :)

As for the rails.  I use one of those pink pencil erasers and start with that.  Don't use steel wool, as it leaves its fibers behind and causes shorts and all kinds of problems.  including getting tangled up in the armatures of your locomotives.  After you have done this, purchase a track cleaning car.  I build one out of a Heavy Weight Coach because all of the others I purchased were too light and would derail too easily.  So I built one out of a Heavy Weight Coach, changed the trucks and wheels, added the cleaning kit, and two mini-ziplock bags filled with lead shot.  Needless to say, it stays put now.  I also only pull it behind one locomotive, with no other cars.  It does a really nice job.

Well I think that about covers it, other than checking out Kalmbach Publications is also an excellent source, and has been one of my primary sources for this hobby.  You may even want to subscribe to Model Railroader Magazine.  This Magazine has been very helpful with nearly all of my projects.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

It's probably something straightforward like a loose connection somewhere or maybe your track and motors need cleaning.

I would contact the Railway Modeller for advice, or talk to your local model shop, or if there is a model train enthusiasts' club in your area you could try talking to them.

Railway Modeller will have a list of UK clubs, if you're not in the UK then try trainweb (address below)

Edit: another address you might like to try

Answer 3

If you don't know where to start, it sounds like it is not something that you can do yourself.

I recommend that you visit a local hobby shop, and show them a picture of your train set.  Explain what you want to do, and they will likely know someone who would be willing to guide you.

Good luck!