Do you own old toy trains that have been lying around your attic? Are you thinking of throwing your old model trains out and buying new train sets? If you answered yes to these questions, you should think twice. Actually, you could save huge amounts of money by restoring your old trains. Instead of buying new packages and looking for a professional who could repair it for you, you could actually repair these toys by yourself. Aside from saving money, this would also allow you to do something enjoyable and productive while learning about electronic toy trains.

If you want to fix your old electric toy trains, here are five tips that could help you get your toy trains running in no time.

1.)   Make an inventory of the parts – Ascertain that your old train set is complete. Check to ensure that most essential components including the locomotive, transformer, connector, and track sections are all connected properly. If so, you can proceed to checking which piece is having technical problems.

2.)   Locate the parts that need repairs – You could easily locate the parts that are not working properly by plugging in the transformer. If it makes sounds but the train does not start moving, you should consider cleaning the contacts of the train tracks. Remember to use sandpaper or rust remover when cleaning the tracks. Once you have finished cleaning if the train still does not work properly, then you may need to replace the tracks. Look for online shops that sell cheap parts for toy trains and buy correct track sizes for your electric toy train set.

3.)   Look for disconnected and oxidized wires – To make your old train run efficiently again, you may need to repair disconnected wires with the use of a soldering gun. You should also look for wires that have turned green or white, which are indications of excessive oxidation and rusting.

4.)   Use an oxidation remover to remove excess solder – Never use steel wool in removing rust because it may leave small steel particles on your train track. These particles could ruin the smooth run of your model trains. It’s better to use oxidation removers instead. The method for removing the oxidation is to put the tips of the wire into the oxidation remover. Wait for a couple of seconds and proceed to wiping them with a dry and soft towel. Apply an ample amount of oil on them for a smooth finish. After removing rust from wires, use a soldering gun to eliminate excess solder and replace the wires inside the unit.

5.)   Check the AC/DC output – You should check whether the transformer of your electronic toy train is enough to supply the required power for the engine. If you get a low reading, replace the old transformer with a better one.

After completing these five steps, it can be very rewarding to repair your electronic toy trains without help from specialists. However, you need to remember that you must also take care of your electronic toy trains. If you want to keep them in good condition and avoid unnecessary repairs, it would be wise to inspect them regularly and keep them maintained. With proper are you will be able to experience the joy of the wonderful hobby of model trains.