Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Lionel Train Tracks

If you are a Lionel trains enthusiast, repairing and servicing your Lionel trains is a regular part of your hobby. You want to keep your trains looking sharp and working well for the most enjoyment. If you intend to sell your trains, then keeping them at their best is a key to receiving a great price. Most Lionel train repairs can be done right there in your own home. If you do the repairs yourself, you can save money on repair bills, and enjoy the satisfaction of keeping those beauties looking great!

Here are some tips for some of the most common Lionel train repairs:

If your train seems to be lagging, the reason is probably because there is some dirt, rust, or oil build up on either the track or the wheels of the train. These build ups can affect the connection between the track and the train. If there is not a good connection, then it doesn't run as well.

Cleaning Debris From The Track and Wheels

If you see some rust, use some sand paper to remove it. If there is severe build up, you can use a utility knife to scrape off the largest part of it. Alternatively, you can use rust remover. After you remove the rust, saturate a soft cloth with light oil spray, and rub the track with it. Then buff it with a clean part of the cloth.

If you see some greenish or crusty white build up, this is oxidation. Simply soak your track in oxidation remover for a few minutes, and then follow up with the light oil spray and buffing.

Be sure you do not ever use steel wool on your tracks. Little particles of the steel wool will come off and then stick to the track. These particles will get picked up by your locomotive, and could cause enough damage to ruin it.

If you have some stubborn spots of grime, a hard eraser will eliminate them.

Follow the same procedure for the wheels, but a Q-Tip soaked with the oil spray works better for cleaning the dirt from them.

Repairing The Track Pieces So They Fit Together Snugly

Another one of your common Lionel train repairs is getting the pieces of your track to fit tightly together. Over time, the connectors tend to become slightly bent, loosening up the connections. When you encounter this problem, use needle nose pliers to carefully bend the connectors back into place. When you have them back where they should be, your track pieces will fit snugly together again.

Repairing The Cars

Keeping your cars in tip top shape is also important. Dirt and oil can build up in these also. Use the light oil spray to clean them. If you need to apply some oil to small moving parts, use a toothpick to transfer a small drop of oil to where you need it. You don't want to overdo it in applying the oil.

Once your car is clean, check it for bent or broken pieces. If something is bent, you may be able to use needle-nose pliers to gently guide it back.

Most of the time you can replace any parts that need replacing yourself. Usually they are attached with small screws. Simply unscrew the part and screw the new part into place.

Where Do You Find Replacement Parts?

You can find replacement parts to complete your Lionel train repairs at your local hobby shop or specialty Lionel stores.

One excellent resource for your Lionel train repairs is LionelManuals.com.

They sell a 2 CD set that includes extensive illustrated repair instructions, blueprints, parts lists, and a parts and accessories catalog. They cover all Lionel trains manufactured from 1906 to 1986. These manuals make do-it-yourself Lionel train repairs easy, no matter which model you need to repair. You can become a pro in repairing your Lionel trains yourself with LionelManuals.com.

Get instant access to model train and railroad tips and tricks now

ModelTrainDesign.com - model railway

- Learn to Save Over 67% on the Retail Price of Trains
- Avoid The 5 Common Mistakes Every Beginner Usually Makes...
- Create Amazingly Realistic Looking Train Layouts

ModelTrainDesign is the very best source of specialized model train information.

Visit the official site by clicking here: train models

Train Tracks $34.99 Kenneth Garrett Train Tracks - Photographic Print

Train on the Tracks $34.99 Kenneth Garrett Train on the Tracks - Photographic Print

Train Tracks, Rincon $14.99 Train Tracks, Rincon - Premium Poster

Castle Gate, Train Tracks $39.99 Castle Gate, Train Tracks - Giclee Print

Coastal Train Tracks $29.99 Henrik Lehnerer Coastal Train Tracks - Photographic Print

Building Train Tracks $24.99 George Marks Building Train Tracks - Photographic Print

Train Tracks at Dusk $34.99 Kenneth Garrett Train Tracks at Dusk - Photographic Print

Passenger Train on Tracks $24.99 George Marks Passenger Train on Tracks - Photographic Print

Train Tracks in the Snow $39.99 Sam Abell Train Tracks in the Snow - Photographic Print

Train Tracks in England $39.99 Greg Dale Train Tracks in England - Photographic Print

Old Train on Converging Tracks $39.99 Old Train on Converging Tracks - Giclee Print

Lionel LIO14190 Lionel Train Book $35.82 Learn everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a Lionel layout as well as maximizing th enjoyment of our Lionel trains. Included in this reference guide are an overview of product development, updated instructions on the setup and use of the TrainMaster Command Control system, track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice on buildling scenery and structures, wiring and track, how-to, help in choosing steam or diesel locomotives and freight or passenger operations, maintenance and restoration tips, techniques, and instructions for operation that best emulate those of prototype railroads.

Lionel Pedal Train $286.99 Whooooo Whooooooo!!!!! We are pleased to introduce the first pedal train in Lionel Trains history. This pedal car is made of quality all-steel construction and features realistic locomotive sounds along (2 AA batteries) with a ringing chrome bell.

Train Tracks in Snow in Winter $124.99 Richard l'Anson Train Tracks in Snow in Winter - Wall Mural

Train Tracks in Siberia, Russia $34.99 John Burcham Train Tracks in Siberia, Russia - Photographic Print

Train Tracks, Zurich, Switzerland $24.99 Walter Bibikow Train Tracks, Zurich, Switzerland - Photographic Print

Train Tracks Through Australia $39.99 Richard Nowitz Train Tracks Through Australia - Photographic Print

UNIC, Racing Across Train Tracks $19.99 UNIC, Racing Across Train Tracks - Premium Poster

Train Tracks, Lead, South Dakota $49.99 Train Tracks, Lead, South Dakota - Giclee Print

A Train on the Tracks with the Chicago Skyline in the Background $39.99 A Train on the Tracks with the Chicago Skyline in the Background - Photographic Print

Talking Train Additional Tracks $122.59 Go even further with additional tracks for the Talking TrainFigure 8 trackExtra tracks are made of durable plastic

Lionel LIO21287 Superstreets Y Roadway $25.08 Part of the SuperStreets system. Combine with curves to make a loop. Same radius as D16 curves. If you are unfamiliar with SuperStreets - this allows the customer to have "regular" streets ferrying vehicles alongside the train tracks on a layout.

A Steam Train Moves on Down the Tracks $39.99 Robbie George A Steam Train Moves on Down the Tracks - Photographic Print

Train Tracks Under a Mesh of Wires $39.99 Todd Gipstein Train Tracks Under a Mesh of Wires - Photographic Print

Train Tracks at Sunset, West Texas $29.99 Wiley & Wales Train Tracks at Sunset, West Texas - Photographic Print

Covered Train Stop Along Tracks $19.99 Brian Cencula Covered Train Stop Along Tracks - Photographic Print