Newby here. Just broke out my 1971 .027 Allegheny set for my 2 year old Grand Daughter (who's now crazy about trains after visiting a train museum) after being in a box for 30+ years. Cleaned up the cars and engine, applied a little machine oil to the lube points, and the thing still ran! (this speaks volumes to the quality of Lionel's.) While it ran, it was still a little sluggish and I had to run the transformer almost all the way up to get her moving. I'm guessing the tracks could use a good cleaning but any other info much appreciated.
USNDiver
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
It's wonderful to break out the trains and spread the love of the sound, of the clickety clack as the train goes roundy round.
You were correct in lubing your engine and axles/wheels after years of storage, ALSO you will want to clean your wheels, power pickups and track. That sounds like why you are having to apply full power.
The older trains will suprise you. l have trains over 100 years old that run as well as when new. Hopefully your granddaughter might say the same one day if you leave your train to her...
Happy Rails!
dave