Greetings all!

I recently came into three tubs of post war 1954 Lionel trains, two diesel engines and various other cars, a total of ten in all (tons of track) and an assortment of switches/accessories.

I'm a fairly skilled tinker, accomplished at most...master at none but, I'm thinking with the help of a few of the professionals in here I might just be able to breathe life into the set again. I'm looking forward to seeing it back in operation...

Any help, suggestions or guidance are most appreciated...

Okay guys, here we go...I tried to upload a picture but the size was too large...so, here is a list:

1) Complete 1991 Disney set w/box
2) 6250 diesel with decal (not painted) and in pretty good condition
3) 2328 diesel "Burlington" a little rough but still in good shape
4) 6460 Bucyrus Erie Railroad Crane Looks okay to me..
5) 6257 Caboos (sp) Looks okay
6) 3656 Stock car (doors work fine)
7) 6419 D.L. &W. appears to be in good condition
6462 looks like it is for carrying gravel, etc (red) in good condition
9) 6511 appears to be a flat bed carrier in good condition but missing rails?
10) Newer 16657 "Lehigh Valley" in nearly new condition
11) 397 Coal loader (everything appears to be there...not sure...
12) 3656 Stockyard, appears to have most parts but there is definitely something missing...
13) 395 Floodlight tower (missing floodlight) tower is nearly new condition


So, other than the associated track, switches and a few transformers in various states of condition.

Any feed back is most appreciated, I would like to see about breathing new life into these guys...so, where do I start?

Nice train set you have.

First thing to do is get a large box of cotton swabs, a can of Naphtha, and a single edge razor.  Use the razor to scrape off any built up gunk on the wheels, then use cotton swabs dipped in Naphtha to finish cleaning up the wheels. Clean the locomotive center pickup rollers the same way.

Get some light oil to oil the axle bearings, and grease for gears. Labelle makes products specifically for model trains.
https://labelle-lubricants.com/model-train-lubes/

Olsens has a website with service manuals for much of what you have:

6250 NW-2 switcher - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/6220-50.htm
2328 GP-7 Switcher - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/2328.htm
6460 Crane car - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=551
6511 Pipe car - parts list - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=440
3469 Dump car - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=524
397 Coal Loader - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=297
395 Floodlight tower - parts list - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=296
3656 Stock car - http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=545

The rest of your trains should just need a good cleaning and lubrication.


Larry