Okay, I have been reading bits and pieces of problems with trains, locos mostly, that occur after long term storage, I am talking more than a year, perhaps several years. I have locos that I purchased as new, although they were already old, that have never been run. So, my question is what should I do prior to attempting to run them? I know that oiling, and perhaps greasing gears, priming smokers, and inspecting traction tires should be done, but are there other operations that need to be done prior to operating?
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I think if you do all you described that you'd be fine. I'd make sure any batteries are checked and/or replaced if they're MTH. Lionel RailSounds batteries should be replaced after a long dormant period, it's unlikely they're still good.
I've taken to using purple Loctite (NEVER RED LOCTITE) on the rods of steamers after having a couple come loose and drop out. My T1 Duplex pole vaulted off the tracks and plowed into a switch tower at a modular show, not good! After the rods came loose on an Allegheny as well, I started taking steps to prevent that from happening.
I would follow the steps you outlined, Bob. My engines were in storage for 4 years with no issues whatsoever.
I'll add one point.
If they have a battery, Replace it, then Charge it overnight before running the engine.
A battery that is several years old is suspect right off the bat.
Old MTH batteries are best tossed out. Current production no longer uses them but I have several old PS1 and PS2 engines that get a battery check as soon as they come out. The PS-1's batteries have been changed out.
I do not use BCR's tho many swear by them.
After all of the above have been covered operate them first with no load behind them to break them in again.
I need to do this myself...I have the RailKing Big Boy steamer that's been in its box for a few years...I really need to get it out and run it sometime but unfortunately just lack the space right now for anything decent. Not to mention I have a number of diesel engines as well that have been dormant for awhile.
Don't forget to refill the smoke unit, or switch it off.
And it might be a good time to clean the wheels if you didn't do that ahead of time.