Lionel Model
Lionel Model
Guide for Setting Up Lionel Model Train Sets
Model train hobbyists of all ages enjoy Lionel model train sets as well as other great brands like Bachmann, Hornby and Athearn. Every hobbyist knows they cannot run their trains until their train sets are successfully set up. This article provides tips for setting up any train sets.
First, remove all of the contents from the box and take inventory of them. Compare them with the list that indicates the parts that should be included with the kit. Group like-pieces together and place all of them on a table. Since, all of the kits components are needed to successfully assemble the Train Set, do not hesitate to contact the hobby shop, if a piece is missing. You may need to return the kit or just be provided with the missing piece. The sooner you do this, the more likely any issues will be addressed and overcome.
Set up the track. Start with connecting two rail pieces. Look for the Rail Joiners on each opposing rail end to connect each piece to the other. Rail joiners are the necessary metal pieces of the rail which balance the track and let the flow of electricity pass through as the train runs at various speeds, fast or slow. Rail joiners are easy to find at the neighborhood hobby shop. They are also easy to assemble using needle nose pliers which also work well to tighten loose joiners you may run across during assembling the track. One of the best features of Lionel Trains is in their quality rail construction which features joiners implanted in the rail of a three-rail system. They are designed in an easy to put together way where they do not have to be adjusted, unless you feel the desire to. And if you do, they can still easily be moved using the same needle nose pliers you already have around the house.
Brands like Tru-Track and EZ-Track have track and roadbed groupings. These are commonly found in new track sets. Roadbed clips hold loose rail joiners in a more secure fashion which makes aids in making assembly and post train function worry free.
Surface considerations, if addressed early will help you avoid the mistake most modelers make. Do not set up the train set on floors that are soiled or are thick carpeted, as the loop from carpets or fuzz and debris will cause the locomotive to not operate at its best. With this in mind, the recommended way to build a Train Layout (board) is right on the table. Additionally, if you tack down the track, you will less likely experience loose pieces falling after apart after assembly.
Gain additional power from your train set by soldering wires right under the metal rail joiners. Since most new trains come with terminal joiners for this purpose, this is an easy adjustment to make. Most new train sets require some minor wiring for operating performance. Some Lionel model train sets utilize power from the middle track roller.
IMPORTANT: UNPLUG AND TURN OFF THE POWERPACK BEFORE CONTINUING To begin connecting up the wiring, use a pair of scissors or wire strippers and remove about 1/2" length of covered insulation off of the wires. Next, wrap the wires around the screws and tighten them up so there is no slack. Alternately, put the wires in the clips of the terminal if your track has clips instead of screw. Take the other end of the terminal wire to the "track only" side and run it to the Power Pack. Otherwise, if applicable, based on the model, use the little plugs provided with the track, instead.
After completing the set up steps, the best test to make sure everything works is letting the train sets start running. First, put the engine on the track. Next, add the cars. Finish by clipping them all together to complete the set. Check the placement of wheels on the track and remove all debris from track. Re-plug in the power pack and turn on the train. Start slowly, increase the speed. If the train moves backwards, turn it off and unplug the power pack. Next, switch the wires and retest. Congratulations, your Lionel model train set is ready to run!
About the Author
Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Lionel model train. Click here to download our free train sets guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.
 |
Lionel 6 52041 LOTS BN TTUX Flatcar with Conrail Trailers W OB Shipper 1994 |  |
0 Bid | US $59.99 | 34m |
 |
LIONEL RUTLAND BOXCAR WITH DIESEL RAILSOUNDS 6 16640 | |
5 Bids | US $71.51 | 56m |
 |
Ready Made Trains O O 27 Gauge Union Pacific 209 BEEP | |
0 Bid | US $96.59 | 1h 6m |
 |
Lionel Union Pacific GP 9 Lash up Set 6 11956 | |
20 Bids | US $209.67 | 1h 17m |
 |
Ready Made Trains O O 27 BNSF 1686 BEEP EMD GP 7 Diese | |
0 Bid | US $89.59 | 1h 42m |
 |
Lionel Corporation Train Trainmaster Type R 100 Watt Transformer | |
0 Bid | US $19.99 | 2h 12m |
 |
Lionel17362 Pfaudler Milk Tnk Car PFAX502 | |
1 Bid | US $25.00 | 5h 52m |
 |
Lionel 16742 Traveling Aquarium Car | |
1 Bid | US $30.00 | 5h 53m |
 |
VINTAGE LOT OF LIONEL TRAIN INFO HOW TO OPERATE PLUS MORE | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 6h 57m |
 |
1920S IVES TRAIN CARDINAL SPECIAL SET RUNS LOCOMOTIVE 4 CARS MANUALS TRACK | |
 |
US $2,599.99 | 7h 56m |
 |
Lionel Type 1 Post War MKT 600 Diesel Switcher | |
|
US $95.00 | 9h 28m |
 |
Marx Passenger Cars 4 USA Made New in four boxes Tarantula RR tca 1996 | |
8 Bids | US $71.99 | 9h 35m |
 |
Lionel 6 38188 Postwar Celebration Series Southern F3 Diesel Locomotive Set MINT | |
0 Bid | US $499.99 | 9h 38m |
 |
Lionel 6 29202 Santa Fe ATSF Map Boxcar NIB Single Door 1997 Trains | |
0 Bid | US $44.99 | 9h 38m |
 |
Lionel 6 16358 Louisville Nashville L N Gondola with Coil Covers BNIB | |
1 Bid | US $14.95 | 10h 2m |
 |
lot of vintage RR model structures instruction sheets pamphlets | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 10h 36m |
 |
The Big Book Of Lionel Trains Book Club Pins Model Railroader Collector Coin | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 10h 48m |
 |
Shinohara HO HOn3 Code 70 RT LT 6 turnouts | |
12 Bids | US $49.99 | 10h 51m |
 |
20 pieces of O gauge track 12 straight pieces8 curved sections | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 11h 5m |
 |
2 vintage Lionel O gauge cars NP boxcars Lionel flatcar logs | |
2 Bids | US $10.50 | 11h 30m |
 |
LIONEL 9881 RATH PACKING C0 BILLBOARD REEFER PART OF SP LTD EDITION SET MINT | |
1 Bid | US $19.99 | 11h 32m |
 |
Marx New York Central NYC Caboose 20102 Red Gray 3 16 Scale S Gauge Vintage Rare | |
2 Bids | US $12.99 | 11h 45m |
 |
Marx New York Central NYC Boxcar 174580 Red Gray 3 16 Scale S Gauge Vintage Rare | |
2 Bids | US $13.99 | 11h 51m |
 |
Vintage 1974 LIONEL Powermaster Multi Control Transformer 6 4090 | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 12h 4m |
 |
Lionel 763E PreWar HUDSON 4 6 4 2263W TENDER | |
12 Bids | US $657.00 | 12h 6m |
 |
Lionel LOTS 6 52014 BN TTUX Flatcar With NW Trailers Original Box Built 1993 | |
0 Bid | US $69.99 | 12h 16m |
 |
Sears craftsman box car Lionel HO train toy railroad hobbie collection model | |
5 Bids | US $6.50 | 12h 24m |
 |
CP Rail box car Lionel HO train toy railroad hobbie collection model | |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 12h 26m |
 |
LIONEL 455 Oil Derrick Aluminum Drums NO RESERVE LK | |
1 Bid | US $8.75 | 12h 35m |
 |
LIONEL TRAIN 17610 WABASH ILLUMINATED W SMOKE EOT LIGHT CABOOSE C 10 | |
0 Bid | US $49.00 | 12h 43m |
 |
1947 LIONEL TRAINS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WITH LAYOUT PLAN | |
1 Bid | US $8.00 | 12h 55m |
 |
Lionel 6035 Sunoco Single Dome Tank Car Postwar 1945 69 | |
1 Bid | US $8.99 | 13h 9m |
 |
LIONEL TRAINS SET OF TEN BROWN TELEPHONE POLES 6 2181 GAUGE 0 027 NEW IN BOX | |
0 Bid | US $5.99 | 13h 11m |
 |
Lionel Trains Accessories 8 TREE Assortment BULK OFFERING O Gauge O Scale 100PC | |
0 Bid | US $185.00 | 13h 23m |
 |
LIONEL 16619 WABASH OPERATING COAL DUMP CAR WITH BIN O GAUGE NEW IN BOX TRAIN | |
12 Bids | US $40.00 | 13h 41m |
 |
LIONEL 6464 BOX CAR 3 PACK Series IX | |
1 Bid | US $59.95 | 13h 45m |
 |
3 PC HOBBY HO N GAUGE LAYOUTS BOOKS LOT3 | |
|
US $6.99 | 13h 46m |
 |
Chesapeake Ohio box car HO train toy railroad hobbie collection model | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 13h 53m |
 |
H0 Gauge Atlas 7037 Diesel Locomotive GP 40 Cotton Belt No 7602 w\Orig Box | |
3 Bids | US $13.13 | 13h 55m |
 |
H0 Gauge Atlas Union Pacific 2048 Locomotive GP 38 w\Orig Box in Excellent Cond | |
2 Bids | US $10.45 | 14h 5m |
 |
NEW Lionel 19989 New York Toy Fair Boxcar Year 2000 Skyline Uncataloged Dealers | |
2 Bids | US $14.99 | 14h 7m |
 |
LIONEL 6 12885 POWER PACK TRANSFORMER CONTROL SYSTEM HORN WHISTLE CONTROL | |
|
US $23.50 | 14h 39m |
 |
2009 MTH Rail King O Gauge Reefer Club Car 30 78093 | |
|
US $32.99 | 14h 41m |
 |
Miscellaneous lot of Model Train accessories | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 14h 42m |
 |
RARE American Model Toys O Guage Sentinel BO Boxcar on Box | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 14h 48m |
 |
RARE American Model Toys O Guage Pennsylvania Merchandise Boxcar in Box | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 14h 52m |
 |
RARE American Model Toys O Guage Pacemaker NYC Boxcar in Box | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 14h 56m |
 |
RARE American Model Toys O Guage Pacemaker NYC Boxcar in Box 2 | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 14h 58m |
 |
LIONEL 2354 NYC F3 Diesel A Unit with whistle horn | |
7 Bids | US $122.50 | 15h 1m |
 |
LIONEL 221 2 6 4 Locomotive Black Body 221 T NYC Tender | |
4 Bids | US $53.01 | 15h 3m |
 |
LIONEL 1668 2 6 2 Steam Locomotive Engine O27 Gunmetal Grey with Tender | |
5 Bids | US $50.66 | 15h 7m |
 |
LIONEL 8041 2 4 2 Locomotive Engine with 8060 T NYC Tender Dark Grey | |
0 Bid | US $35.00 | 15h 9m |
 |
Lionel Lackawanna Box Car 6 9411 | |
0 Bid | US $25.99 | 15h 15m |
 |
LIONEL 2671W 6 Tender BO Baltimore Ohio | |
4 Bids | US $20.75 | 15h 20m |
 |
LIONEL TOY TRAIN PRICING CATALOG MAGAZINE 1954 EDITION COLLECTIBLE | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 15h 23m |
 |
2 LIONEL Operating Manuals from 1953 Vinatge O Scale Model Trains | |
0 Bid | US $12.95 | 15h 25m |
 |
Pair of Lionel O 72 Switches Left Hand 6 65166 | |
3 Bids | US $68.00 | 15h 29m |
 |
Lionel Lackawanna Two unit Commuter Car Set 6 18304 | |
0 Bid | US $250.00 | 15h 30m |
 |
Williams FM Trainmaster w o shell with DC motors Lionel | |
9 Bids | US $34.00 | 15h 32m |
 |
LIONEL 1666T 4 Black Coal Tender Lionel Lines | |
0 Bid | US $20.00 | 15h 33m |
 |
Large lot of LIONEL MTH Buildings Model Trains | |
2 Bids | US $26.51 | 15h 39m |
 |
Lionel 2010 volume 2 model trains catalogue | |
1 Bid | US $1.95 | 15h 40m |
 |
1 87 ATHEARN MCLEAN DOUBLES | |
1 Bid | US $20.00 | 15h 41m |
 |
Lionel toy tin train | |
2 Bids | US $13.50 | 15h 44m |
 |
LIONEL TRAINS 9260 REYNOLDS ALUMINUM COVERED QUAD HOPPER CAR C 8 | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 15h 48m |
 |
LIONEL 1062T Black Sloped Tender Lionel Lines | |
1 Bid | US $10.00 | 15h 55m |
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
Tags: lionel, lionel model train layouts, lionel model train parts, lionel model train values, lionel model trains, lionel model trains for sale, model, railroad, train, Trains