A Guide to Getting 1950s Trains Running Again

How to Prepare a Vintage Lionel, American Flyer, or Marx Train for Christmas Tree Duty

Do you have a Lionel, American Flyer, or Marx train in your attic? Are you wanting to get it ready to run around your Christmas tree after years of storage?

These trains seemed nearly indestructible in the 1950s when they were new. Unfortunately, when they sit unused for four or five decades, time isn't always kind to them. The good news is that if they worked when they were put away, often it's possible to get them working again without much effort or expense.

Is it safe?
The first thing you need to do is check to make sure the train's transformer is safe to use. These are electrical devices, and regulations in the 1950s were looser than they are today, and time isn't always kind to them. If the electrical cord is stiff and/or brittle, it should be replaced by a qualified repair shop. Most major cities have at least one shop that can repair old trains, and from a repair standpoint the differences between Lionel, American Flyer and Marx are minimal. Check the phone book under hobby shops and look for the Lionel logo. If you can't find one, start calling shops that say they sell model trains. Some will and some won't deal in old trains, but often these dealers can recommend a shop or a local hobbyist who does.

If there is no such dealer in your area, a small appliances repair shop can usually repair such transformers, especially if the only thing it needs is a new cord.

The other outward sign to look for is rust. A rusty case usually indicates that moisture has gotten into the transformer, and moisture inside a transformer is a fire hazard. Any suspect transformer should be thoroughly checked out and serviced by a professional.

Don't plug a transformer into the wall unless it passes visual inspection.

If you need a new transformer, modern Lionel-compatible transformers will work with Lionel, American Flyer, and Marx trains. Many hobby shops carry them, and they can also be purchased online.

What you'll need
Most of the items you will need to get an old train running again are common household items. If you don't happen to have them around, a trip to the local auto parts store will yield adequate materials.