in need of assistance

If your intent is to run your original train, all you need is track, some wire and a transformer.  You do not need the alphabet to operate.  You will need to clean and oil the engine, sparingly - wheel bearings, motor bearings and grease the gear box.  Clean the wheels and pickup rollers.  You can use any light oil (like 3in1) and Lubriplate for the gear box (you can get a small tube in any hardware store).

You may find, Brand New, that your 1950s Lionel passenger train runs well. Lionel trains from the 1950s were very durable, reliable and have stood the test of time.

Dan's advice is very good. IMO, chances are that if you do the simple things Dan recommends, your passenger train will be gliding efforrlessly down the track. Arnold

Like most newcomers to the hobby you will probably want to buy new trains and accessories.  Don't go crazy and expend your whole budget on things you may not like when you bring them home......and be selective and don't buy the cheapest locomotives you see because you may just be buying junk,  Welcome to the hobby.  If you need any advice you are welcome to ask me as I've been in the hobby for about 65 years and the rest of the people are very knowledgeable too.  Good luck and welcome.    ODD-D

Hi and welcome to a wonderful source of advice and guidance.  My background is similar with my trusty 2026 loco and consist from the 50s. Still runs like a charm.   When I began my "dream" layout in a 9X14 room I followed the monthly articles by Jim Barrett in his Barrett in the Backshop series. It's now available as a text: https://shop.aer.io/OGaugeRail.../9781736150009-10883.  I highly recommend it for starting and building a layout.  I would also suggest to purchase a Lionel Chief+ unit.  That's a relatively inexpensive entrance into the electronic era of trains.  Simple to operate (my grandkids love 'em), and includes fun features not found in typical post war units.  Like noted by others, don't hesitate to post questions along your journey.

Enjoy the ride!

Michael

Thanks everyone.  Your info has been very useful.  Also thanks for making me welcome.

I tried the link.  The message says that the store is empty.

I saw the same message when I clicked on the link for the text. Try this link: https://ogaugerr.com/web-store/.

Michael

Add an e-(mail address to your profile (and possibly a local address).  The members of this forum are very gracious and will help you out any way they can.

In today's hobby, you are basically talking about running conventional trains and/or command control trains. Conventional trains, like your 1950' set, run on track powered by a simple AC transformer connected to the track and speed, direction, bell, whistle functions are typically controlled by the moving the throttle up or down or the buttons on the transformer.

Command control trains are basically wireless operation where the transformer simply supplies the power to the track and other train functions are carried out via a wireless signal to the engine from some type of remote controller or from an app on an electronic device such as a cellphone, Ipad, etc.

Like Dan said, if all you want to do is run conventional trains, all you need is some track, some wire and a transformer. Of course, you will have to decide which track and switches to buy (old school tubular, modern 3-rail like Gargarves, Atlas, etc. or molded roadbed like Lionel Fastrack or MTH Realtrax) and which transformer to use ( both Lionel and MTH make entry-level transformers like the CW-80 or Z-1000).

I would suggest that you try an entry-level command control like a Lionel LionChief engine that will run on a basic layout with a simple emote or bluetooth and see how you like it compared with your conventional train. I would also recommend that you start by picking up a new 2021 Lionel catalogue at your LHS and look through it to get an idea of what's available and also speak to them to get ideas.

Once you get your feet wet, it's like anything else and you'll pick up the lingo in no time. 

Michael,

I tired the new link and it worked.  I order the book by Jim Barrett

Thanks

Richie,

Thanks for the info

My email address in now in the profile.

Thanks

Hi Richie,

Glad you got a link that works. Also, don't hesitate to post any questions for help on any of the other forums associated with this resource.  Go to the banner on the top of this page and click on "Home". You will see lots of other titles of categories for other specific forums. Each has many specific forums within that category. Along your journey you may have questions on layout, electrical issues, scenery, electronic controls, etc. and each of these has friends and experts with great advice.

Enjoy!

Michael

@Richie C. posted:

In today's hobby, you are basically talking about running conventional trains and/or command control trains. Conventional trains, like your 1950' set, run on track powered by a simple AC transformer connected to the track and speed, direction, bell, whistle functions are typically controlled by the moving the throttle up or down or the buttons on the transformer.

Command control trains are basically wireless operation where the transformer simply supplies the power to the track and other train functions are carried out via a wireless signal to the engine from some type of remote controller or from an app on an electronic device such as a cellphone, Ipad, etc.

Like Dan said, if all you want to do is run conventional trains, all you need is some track, some wire and a transformer. Of course, you will have to decide which track and switches to buy (old school tubular, modern 3-rail like Gargarves, Atlas, etc. or molded roadbed like Lionel Fastrack or MTH Realtrax) and which transformer to use ( both Lionel and MTH make entry-level transformers like the CW-80 or Z-1000).

I would suggest that you try an entry-level command control like a Lionel LionChief engine that will run on a basic layout with a simple emote or bluetooth and see how you like it compared with your conventional train. I would also recommend that you start by picking up a new 2021 Lionel catalogue at your LHS and look through it to get an idea of what's available and also speak to them to get ideas.

Once you get your feet wet, it's like anything else and you'll pick up the lingo in no time.

I think this is excellent advice.