So it's my dad's birthday and he wanted to set up a set that he got a few years ago, which works fine. Then we tried to run a few old engines for the hell of it. Set them on the track, and you could hear the motor making some noise but they didn't move. Are they just old and need cleaning? Or is the newer transformer not strong enough?
Hi! This is my first post on here, but saw it from Twitter. Depending on the transformer you're using, it may not have enough power to run the older (Post War, for one) Lionel trains.
The best I've had in newer sets is the CW-80 that comes with the last batch of transformer-controlled sets (just before LionChief).
Those tended to have enough power to get my older trains running alongside the newer ones if I don't feel like getting any of my vintage transformers out to run the trains.
Chances are the old locomotives are in need of a good cleaning and servicing.
What are the numbers on the locomotives, and are they steam or diesel?
What is the model of your new transformer?
Larry