How to Care for Your Model Train

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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Caring for model trains is not unlike caring for any other sort of model. Dust them to keep them working regularly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Check the electronics. Change or recharge batteries regularly.
Step2
Take the cars off the track and dust them thoroughly.
Step3
Clean connections with compressed air, available where photography and computer supplies are sold.
Step4
Clean connections with contact cleaner, using a small piece of linen.
Step5
Don't repaint your train cars unless they start to look scratched. A slightly haggard or weathered look is fine if it looks genuine.
Step6
Repaint your cars if there's a derailment or they get scratched. If you repaint, try to touch them up rather than totally redo them.
Step7
Sweep the surrounding area regularly to keep dust down before it dulls the layout and affects the electronics.

Tips & Warnings

  • Covering your train set shouldn't be necessary. Besides, you want the set out for viewing even when not in operation.
  • If you have a cat, keep it away from your trains. It will chase the train around the layout and destroy everything.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/21/2006 To really clean your track, buy a kit from your local authorized Lionel seller. If you just want to clean it up, rub a wet wipe on the track. A small portion of black should come off onto the wipe.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you have a pet, don't put your train on the floor. The wheels could be damaged.

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eHow Article:  How to Care for Your Model Train

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