Hi there!

[ThatBurlingtonNorthernGuy]

Well its about time I finally start getting active in the model railroading community more, considering I've been obsessed with trains and model railroading all my life.

I'm hoping I can create some friends and make some memories along the way, anyways this is my first post and I want to show off my model train collection.
Its not very big yet and consists of only a couple locomotives and a handful of railcars (+ a ton of tracks) from a junk box thats 6 years old.

None of them actually run anymore and most of them are just straight up broken so I was hoping I could get some advice on how to fix them.

The railcars just have some missing wheels, I'm sure its not too hard to fix that, what I'm worried about is the locomotives.

- The CN locomotive with the green paint scheme makes its engine running sound when the track power is turned on but doesn't seem to want to move no matter what I try

- The CP Rail locomotive seems to actually try to move but only when I give it a little boost and it only moves for a second if I'm lucky, the light in the cabin also turns on while its moving, another really wierd thing is that it starts too smell a tiny bit like smoke when I leave it on for more than 5 minutes soooo that's probably a problem lmao

- I think you can guess why the other CN loco doesn't work lol (little me put tape on it for literally no reason too lolololol)

 

[kjd]

It would help to know what brand or at least a photo of the bottom. Nearly every manufacturer has made an F unit of some sort and sometimes it's hard to tell them apart from the top.

 

[Rico]

Welcome aboard!
That’s a familiar collection of cars you have there, many people start off this way.

I’d say the first loco may be worth resurrecting but the other two not so much. A good cleaning and fresh lube for starters. I’d recommend picking up a basic Athearn or maybe Walthers loco just to keep you going.
Perhaps a nice green Burlington Northern one!

The freight cars might not take too much effort, maybe add some weight and a few adjustments, but again upgrading to a better brand will save you some frustration there.

Probably the best advice is to just dig around here, ask lots of questions, and enjoy your hobby time!

 

[migalyto]

Welcome to the group!

 

[NorthTexasRailroad]

Welcome to the forums! You'll find a great group here.

 

[ThatBurlingtonNorthernGuy]

It would help to know what brand or at least a photo of the bottom. Nearly every manufacturer has made an F unit of some sort and sometimes it's hard to tell them apart from the top.

I actually don't know the brand as said before its a junk box from my childhood so I had no idea what to expect, but I can see what I can do.

 

[ThatBurlingtonNorthernGuy]

Welcome aboard!
That’s a familiar collection of cars you have there, many people start off this way.

I’d say the first loco may be worth resurrecting but the other two not so much. A good cleaning and fresh lube for starters. I’d recommend picking up a basic Athearn or maybe Walthers loco just to keep you going.
Perhaps a nice green Burlington Northern one!

The freight cars might not take too much effort, maybe add some weight and a few adjustments, but again upgrading to a better brand will save you some frustration there.

Probably the best advice is to just dig around here, ask lots of questions, and enjoy your hobby time!

Thank you so much for the advice! I really do want to get the first one running, its my favorite out of all of them but I really should get a new set considering this is all I've had for years.

 

[ThatBurlingtonNorthernGuy]

Welcome to the forums! You'll find a great group here.

Thank you so much!

 

[bnsf971]

I actually don't know the brand as said before its a junk box from my childhood so I had no idea what to expect, but I can see what I can do.

Without trying to throw ice water on your enthusiasm, I think your initial assessment is--accurate. Some of the stuff may be enough to get started with, but be on the lookout for stuff that won't cause more frustration than fun.

 

[ThatBurlingtonNorthernGuy]

Yeah I cannot seem to find the brand lol

I'm trying to find a model railroad store near me to maybe buy a box of junk/used model railway props/railcars/trains, which is my favorite thing to do because it makes my unboxing experience much more fun especially when I'm recording lmao

 

[Iron Horseman]

- The CN locomotive with the green paint scheme makes its engine running sound when the track power is turned on but doesn't seem to want to move no matter what I try

To open that one, the front coupler has to be removed. Then the body lifts off the frame by spreading it in the middle to get it over two bumps on either side. My guess is that either this is a hifi drive that is supposed to have rubber bands that have rotted away, or it is a more modern unit and the two drive shafts have come out of their sockets.

- The CP Rail locomotive seems to actually try to move but only when I give it a little boost and it only moves for a second if I'm lucky, the light in the cabin also turns on while its moving, another really wierd thing is that it starts too smell a tiny bit like smoke when I leave it on for more than 5 minutes soooo that's probably a problem.

That sounds like dirty wheels/track. Clean both with 90% Isopropyl alcohol. Could be a problem, or just gunk on the brushes burning off.

- I think you can guess why the other CN loco doesn't work lol (little me put tape on it for literally no reason too lolololol)

That looks like an AHM unit, or could be Lionel. The rear truck that is missing has the motor mounted on it. I thought it would be easy to find a replacement on e-bay but I don't see any. Might be easier/cheaper to buy another whole unit.
I did find this though. Unfortunately it says no-gears. https://www.ebay.com/itm/157869857230

 

[Iron Horseman]

I'm trying to find a model railroad store near me

Where are you? I'm certain someone here will be close enough to provide some suggestions. Often for boxes of old fixer up equipment, the train shows and swap meets are a better place to look.