![]() ![]() Since the track is zinc plated to protect the steel rail from corrosion, you don’t want to remove any more plating than is already worn off. Next, clean the surface rust from the rails using a cleaning pad and some soapy water. The glue should pop off the metal as you lightly wedge the blade into the glue joint. To remove this glue, use a chisel-type hobby knife blade (as shown here) or bend a thin piece of metal so that you can easily reach under the railhead. Because some old track has been used on ballasted layouts in the past, you may find a thin layer of white glue hiding beneath the railheads. You can clean the track in several ways, depending on how much cleaning is necessary. You may want to practice crimping some track that you are going to throw away to get a feel for the job. ![]() I crimp the opposite end of track about 1⁄4 inch from the end, again using diagonal cutting pliers. The opposite non-pin end of the track needs to be crimped as well. You only need to crimp the rail hard enough to grab a track pin tightly. A good crimping tool is a pair of diagonal cutting pliers – preferably an old pair that is no longer sharp, thus reducing your chances of cutting through the rail. The factory crimp should be visible on both sides, appearing as small round depressions about 3⁄8 inch from the end of the rail, like the pristine example in this picture.Įspecially if you had to remove any of the three pins on this end, you’ll need to re-crimp each rail at the same spot as the factory crimp. First, locate the end of the track that has the factory crimps (as you may have marked in Step 1). Now you need to crimp both ends of each section of track to properly secure the pins, which should be firmly fastened to keep them from turning in their holes. 65042, available at toy train hobby dealers. Lionel replacement track pins – O gauge no.Similar brands are available, but never use steel wool instead. Abrasive cleaning pads – 3M Scotch-Brite heavy-duty scour pads (recommended), available in many grocery stores, discount department stores, hardware stores, and home centers.10100) that has a crimping nib to tighten pins on Standard gauge, O-27, and O gauge track. Size isn’t critical, as long as the jaws fit between the rails. Diagonal cutting pliers – Numerous models, available in hardware stores and home improvement centers.Use a medium-sized tool that fits the track you’re using. ![]() Needlenose pliers – Numerous models, available in hardware stores and home centers.Other models may be available in auto parts stores, hardware stores, farm supply stores, and home centers. Hose-clamp pliers – We recommend a pair made by. ![]() The recommended versions (if any) and tool specifications are listed below. When in doubt, have a piece of track on hand before you buy any tools in a store. For example, there is an alternative style of hose-clamp pliers that looks quite different and won’t work at all when trying to straighten old track. In addition, not all tools of a similar name work for this application. The following tools range from easy to difficult to find. Here’s my seven-step approach, which applies equally well for O or O-27 track. You can’t save it all.īut if you have track sections that have mild rust, tarnish, or other distortions, you can make them useful again. This includes track that is heavily corroded, severely bent, or badly crushed. Don’t waste your time with the pieces that are too far gone. But can it be effectively refurbished?įirst, sort through your pile and objectively examine each piece. An even closer inspection reveals that this track is also very much “used.” Track pins are missing or loose, and rails are misshapen.Įveryone tells you not to bother with the track because you will have nothing but headaches if you use it on your layout. However, when you get a closer look at the O or O-27 steel tubular track, doubt starts to seep in – much like the moisture that has rusted the track. You want to build a layout, so you figure you can use this track to do it economically. Let’s say you’ve got a ton of old Lionel track in your basement, or maybe someone is willing to give you a bunch for nothing. ![]()
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