Unpack it!
When you first unpack a train set, take it all out of the box and spread it
around on a table. Make sure that you have everything that the kit should
come with. If not, take it back to the store or hobby shop.
Lay some tracks
To set up the track, place the two pieces on a flat surface and slide them
end to end into each other. On each opposing rail, there should be a little
metal piece called a rail joiner. These allow the continuation of
electrical conductivity as well as stabilization of the rails to ensure
proper alignment. This way, the tracks stay right where they are no matter
how fast the train goes. If you find a rail to be missing a rail joiner,
you can get one at the local hobby shop. Put them on with needle nose
pliers. If you find that you have all the railjoiners, but the rails slip
out, crimp the joiners on better with the pliers. Lionel trains shouldn't
have this problem, as their three-rail system has the joiners embedded in
the rail. You can still use pliers to remove them, but the tracks are
designed so that they don't have to be moved.
EZ-Track and Tru-Track
Many new sets have roadbed and track combinations- the brands Tru-Track and EZ-Track. These just
clip together, and you shouldn't have to worry about the loose railjoiners
letting the track come undone- the roadbed clips should hold everything
securely.
Wire it
in
Nearly all new train sets have terminal joiners for you to put the wires
up to. No matter what system you have, you still will connect 2 wires to
the tracks (even on three rail Lionel- the engine picks up power from a
roller on the middle track). To do this, you must first strip the
insulation off the wires; use scissors or wire strippers and remove
about 1/2" of insulation. Then put the wires around the screws and
tighten or in the clips of the terminal. Run the other end of the wire
to the powerpack and connect it to the side that says "track" only.
Many new sets have little plugs that you can use, instead, to make the
connection. Just plug one end in the terminal and the other end onto
the powerpack. BEFORE MAKING ANY CONNECTIONS TO THE POWERPACK, BE SURE
THAT IT IS UNPLUGGED AND TURNED OFF COMPLETELY! See wiring.
Run the trains
Start by putting the engine on the tracks, then all the cars. Clip them
in together to make the train. Be sure that all the wheels are seated
properly. Next, be sure that the tracks are clear ahead! Plug in the
powerpack and slowly advance up the throttle. Now, the train should move.
If it goes opposite the direction you wanted it to go, switch the wires on
the powerpack. AGAIN, UNPLUG IT.
Surface counts!
When setting up a train the first time,
most modelers make the mistake of setting it up on the wrong
surface. Never put the loop on carpet or filthy dirty floors,
as fuzz and dirt will get caught in the locomotive. I suggest
that you use a table for the train. If you can, build a train
board (Layout) as soon as possible, and make sure to tack down
the track.
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