| Maybe it is the model train that you played with | | | | Once you have the body off of the engine check |
| as a child, or maybe it is the one that your family | | | | all the interior parts for signs of dirt, loose pieces, |
| uses at the holidays to run around the tree. No | | | | rust, and oil collecting in one spot. Use either a |
| matter what it is used for a model train is usually | | | | magnifying glass or a pair of magnifying goggles if |
| enjoyed by most of the family and can bring a | | | | you need to so that you do not strain your eyes. |
| smile to most any face. So, what do you do | | | | If you happen to find bits of oil clumping in the |
| when the engine stops running? Do you throw it | | | | engine remove them carefully with your |
| out and just buy a new one? Do you send it to a | | | | tweezers. Also remove and loose fibers that you |
| repair shop and pay a high bill? Or, do you save a | | | | find. There may be animal or people hairs or |
| bit of time and money and make you the repairs | | | | carpet fiber caught in the engine while it makes its |
| yourself? | | | | trek around the track. |
| Repairing a model train engine can be much easier | | | | Use your cotton swabs and solvent to clean off |
| than you would realize. It is true that they do | | | | the clumps of oil. Make sure that you don't use |
| require a bit of work over time due to wear and | | | | too much solvent though because it could melt |
| tear but they bring so much enjoyment that you | | | | connections. Also use a cotton swab to clean up |
| would hate to get rid of them. To begin your | | | | any grime you might find built up. Once you do |
| repair efforts you would first need to gather | | | | then dry them with a bit of the lint free cloth. |
| some tools and items to assist you in your | | | | Apply new oil to all parts that require them. This is |
| endeavor. You would need a few cotton swabs, | | | | where the toothpicks come in handy. By just |
| some baggies, toothpicks, pliers, a small | | | | using a bit on the tip you can keep from putting |
| screwdriver, oil, tweezers, and a lint free cloth. | | | | too much. |
| Before you attempt to dismantle your engine you | | | | If you happen to find any broken pieces while you |
| should lay it on the lint free cloth. If you can get a | | | | are cleaning your engine make sure that you do |
| hold of a white one that would be preferable. It | | | | not just try to glue them together. Find the |
| will help you keep up with any screws that you | | | | replacement parts for sale and order new ones. It |
| might drop on it. Now carefully take the body of | | | | will turn out much better for you in the long run. |
| the engine apart and set it on the cloth as well. | | | | Once you have the damaged parts replaced or |
| Put the screws from the body into one of the | | | | repaired you can then reassemble your engine |
| baggies and label where they came from this will | | | | and will soon be ready to roll. |
| help you when you go to reassemble the engine. | | | | |