Inherited 1970s N Gauge Minitrix - Check Functionality

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M

MC-Arithmetic

New Member
Hi everyone! I have just inherited some 1970s Minitrix N gauge locomotives, wagons, railroad cars, and some track/buildings. I know very little about the operation of the kit, but am an engineer by trade. I had hoped to be able to assess the functionality of the locomotives by using a multimeter and touching the probes to two wheels either side of the locomotive to check for a connection, but doing so on 1-2 of them initially doesnt seem to have worked (no audible beeping - could this be because it needs AC mains signal to operate?). I don't have the space to set up the models or wire/power a circuit. Does anyone know a way I can assess their functionality in order to properly assess condition and value? Thanks very much in advance!
 
Welcome to the forum.
You’re initially going to want to put down the multimeter, set up a piece of track, connect it to the power supply, and try running stuff on the track. Many model trains, especially the older ones, would pick up power from one rail on one truck or wheelset, and pick up the opposing side with the other truck or wheelset.
Especially if they’re older, you aren’t going to get much, if anything, trying to simply test with a meter. Dirt and oxidation will prevent a reading.
 
If they've been sitting for 50 years they probably won't run because the oils have dried out and become varnish. If they do run that's great, but at this point they are almost disposable. N scale quality from that era verses today are not even close.
 


That's too bad. I wanted to see how it went. Those old locos are interesting.
 
Hi all, sorry on the late reply. I don't have the space to set up any of the track to test the trains, or even the right kit to power everything as that was not with the trains and cars. If I can't use a multimeter, and don't have the ability to set up track, what would be the next port of call? I'm hoping the engines are still functional as all have been stored in their original boxes - the locomotives, cars, and wagons look pristine. Thanks for chiming in so far, I greatly appreciate it
 
MC-Arithmetic said:
Hi all, sorry on the late reply. I don't have the space to set up any of the track to test the trains, or even the right kit to power everything as that was not with the trains and cars. If I can't use a multimeter, and don't have the ability to set up track, what would be the next port of call? I'm hoping the engines are still functional as all have been stored in their original boxes - the locomotives, cars, and wagons look pristine. Thanks for chiming in so far, I greatly appreciate it
Click to expand...
Even if they've never been out of their boxes, there will still be enough moisture in the atmosphere to degrade any connections between wheels, contacts, commutators and brushes, etc. Without some kind of power to complete a circuit, it's going to be a SWAG at best as to whether anything works, or can work with some effort. The motors are 12v DC if you get desperate, you can use a 9v battery like what you'd find in a smoke alarm. Touch the contacts on the battery to a wheel on either side of the power truck on most diesels. If you have any steam stuff, it gets more complicated.
 
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