I'm going to be running Marx 027, mostly tin and cast metal with some plastic. It has been about sixty years since I've had a three rail lash up, and am just getting past the gathering stage.
I have acquired both Lionel RW and ZW transformers and an MRC Throttle pack rectifier.
I have several issues to deal with. Like, as an example, I don't have so much as an inch of insulated wire in my entire shop. What do I want to use? I have a whole sack of the clip-on track connectors that look unused
I will eventually be running six to eight trains on my layout, but to get rolling I figure I can run three with the two transformers I just got. Am I right in this?
I think the MRC unit is DC (not sure) but I may be able to use it for lights and accessories that are not connected to the tracks in any way. Again, am I right?
I'm not an electrician, but am pretty confident that I can replace light bulbs. Beyond that I'm in the dark (The pun is intended....and true.)
Next to the last issue (for now) is I also picked up about eight pieces of mixed Marx and Lionel track. Wha do you recommend to de-rust it. Some is bright and it runs the gamut all the way down to so rusty it's almost unidentifiable.
My final issue is a whole box of Marx motive power that needs to be tested to see if it even runs. I expect it will require a bunch of cleaning and lubrication, and likely some adjustment and maybe even repair work.
Any and all help will be appreciated and don't be afraid to tell me I'm a dumb ***. You can't hurt my feelings and my wife and kids have called me worse.
Thanks.
And feel free to take this off line and use my email.