I have a couple of older locos that are still running, but do need service. Suggestions on how to clean them and where to look online? Thanks.
What scale? What make? Steam or diseasemal? How old? I have been repairing H0 and o, now LS, for decades, sometimes and decades. If clean, inspect, lube and replace what's bad...I have boxes of Q-tips and lighter fluid. Cleans bearing surfaces really good. You can buy plastic-compatible LaBelle....and I used to....save the empty oilers, buy Sewing Machine oil. Big bottle, 9 or 10 bucks, will refill your oilers long after you're gone. Open frame motors? Clean commutator, polish with a strip of 1000 grit, clean out the grooves with the back of an xacto blade. More details, please. Dave
I have a couple of diesel ones. Just curious if the century 628 I have from 1976 is actually worth anything. it runs fine, but needs a cleaning.
Value would be whatever someone feels it is worth. Yourself, if you wish to keep it, or a potential buyer- if any. If it runs fine, we might tend to believe it needs little maintenance. Perhaps just a very light lubrication. Are the visible signs of buildup on wheels? Anything you can see, wound around an axle, such as pet fur? Or is it the body shell you are wishing to clean?
1. I carefully unscrew and pry my way into locos. You'll need a small screw driver set. 2. I use tape to hold screws. Sometimes I take pictures as I go so I can remember where things came from. 3. I clean everything with alcohol and Q-tips. Then use plastic safe grease or oil. 4. Don't force anything or it'll break, and if it breaks fix it. I wouldn't worry too much about doing it right. As you open up more locos, you'll just get into doing it. It's often like a reverse puzzle.
