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Model train hobbyists of all ages enjoy Lionel model train sets as well as other great brands like Bachmann, Hornby and Athearn. Every hobbyist knows they cannot run their trains until their train sets are successfully set up. This article provides tips for setting up any train sets.
First, remove all of the contents from the box and take inventory of them. Compare them with the list that indicates the parts that should be included with the kit. Group like-pieces together and place all of them on a table. Since, all of the kits components are needed to successfully assemble the train set, do not hesitate to contact the hobby shop, if a piece is missing. You may need to return the kit or just be provided with the missing piece. The sooner you do this, the more likely any issues will be addressed and overcome.
Set up the track. Start with connecting two rail pieces. Look for the rail joiners on each opposing rail end to connect each piece to the other. Rail joiners are the necessary metal pieces of the rail which balance the track and let the flow of electricity pass through as the train runs at various speeds, fast or slow. Rail joiners are easy to find at the neighborhood hobby shop. They are also easy to assemble using needle nose pliers which also work well to tighten loose joiners you may run across during assembling the track. One of the best features of Lionel trains is in their quality rail construction which features joiners implanted in the rail of a three-rail system. They are designed in an easy to put together way where they do not have to be adjusted, unless you feel the desire to. And if you do, they can still easily be moved using the same needle nose pliers you already have around the house.
Brands like Tru-Track and EZ-Track have track and roadbed groupings. These are commonly found in new track sets. Roadbed clips hold loose rail joiners in a more secure fashion which makes aids in making assembly and post train function worry free.
Surface considerations, if addressed early will help you avoid the mistake most modelers make. Do not set up the train set on floors that are soiled or are thick carpeted, as the loop from carpets or fuzz and debris will cause the locomotive to not operate at its best. With this in mind, the recommended way to build a train layout (board) is right on the table. Additionally, if you tack down the track, you will less likely experience loose pieces falling after apart after assembly.
Gain additional power from your train set by soldering wires right under the metal rail joiners. Since most new trains come with terminal joiners for this purpose, this is an easy adjustment to make. Most new train sets require some minor wiring for operating performance. Some Lionel model train sets utilize power from the middle track roller.
IMPORTANT: UNPLUG AND TURN OFF THE POWERPACK BEFORE CONTINUING To begin connecting up the wiring, use a pair of scissors or wire strippers and remove about 1/2" length of covered insulation off of the wires. Next, wrap the wires around the screws and tighten them up so there is no slack. Alternately, put the wires in the clips of the terminal if your track has clips instead of screw. Take the other end of the terminal wire to the "track only" side and run it to the power pack. Otherwise, if applicable, based on the model, use the little plugs provided with the track, instead.
After completing the set up steps, the best test to make sure everything works is letting the train sets start running. First, put the engine on the track. Next, add the cars. Finish by clipping them all together to complete the set. Check the placement of wheels on the track and remove all debris from track. Re-plug in the power pack and turn on the train. Start slowly, increase the speed. If the train moves backwards, turn it off and unplug the power pack. Next, switch the wires and retest. Congratulations, your Lionel model train set is ready to run!
