When you’re first getting started in the model train hobby, your first instinct might be to replace anything that starts giving you any trouble. And in some cases, this can be a good way to gradually upgrade your equipment.
As you gain confidence and knowledge, better engines, more versatile transformers and higher quality tracks can give you better performance and increase your enjoyment in the hobby. But eventually, when you have the best equipment you can afford, model train repair can keep your equipment working its best and save you money for replacement parts.
Here are some common problems and easy repairs that you can do by yourself.
One of the most common and frustrating problems of all is derailing. If your train is derailing, try the following to see if you can fix it yourself.
First, check the track for dirt, accumulated debris, or bits of scenery that may have gotten caught and be interfering with the way the train runs. Try cleaning the tracks with alcohol or the appropriate solvent for the rail metal and a cotton swab, and pulling out any stray fibers with a pair of tweezers.
Check the track to make sure it’s completely secure. Even the smallest amount of movement can derail a train.
Use a process of elimination, taking one car out at a time, to see if one car in particular is causing the train to derail. If you can isolate which car it is, try checking to make sure the wheels spin freely, and cleaning the wheels with solvent or alcohol.
Make sure the couplers are not too low, perhaps touching the track. If the derailment occurs on a particular turn or grade, the track may need to be adjusted to a less extreme one. If the train derails on a straightaway, replacing that section of track will sometimes help.
Finally, check to be certain the weight of your cars is compatible. A heavy car/light car mix can be a recipe for derailing. And try lubricating the couplers with graphite instead of oil to ensure they move smoothly. In fact, good maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling wheels, track and engine can prevent the need for model train repair.
Be sure to use a quality oil, one made for model railroads if possible, and remember not to over-lubricate the engine. Oil build-up can accumulate dust and dirt and too much oil can soak into insulation and wires, and diminish performance over time.
Reynolds Maxwell (Max) Mathes-Redd is a model train hobbyist and coach. For more great tips on model train repairs visit http://www.lovingmodeltrains.com/model-train-repair and http://www.LovingModelTrains.com