Old Hornby Intercity train from 1990s on current track and power supply

[Strider1979]

Apologies if this is posted already but quite difficult to find a solid answer.

Like many people I've found 2 old Hornby Intercity trainsets in my parents attic from late 80s early 90s. I have a few new sets as well which I have been using with my son. The old trains are in very good condition for their age and just for a bit of nostalgia it would be fun to get them running again.

Quite simply is it possible to get them up and running and if so how? When I put them on the track they move but very very shortly and stutter.

I am assuming this is to do with the different amount of power the older trains needed to run, sad current sets well use less power.

Is there a simple way to get them up and running or is it not worth the trouble?

Any help appreciated. Thanks

[Rog RJ]

A good clean and oiling should help as old grease and oil can dry out

[Simmo009]

Shouldn't be a problem getting these running again. The only issue is older models could draw a higher current than older ones, and the controllers that come with new sets may not be man enough for the job. I have recently put together a 10 car set of vintage items. After standard cleaning and servicing, the scale speed was 70 - 80 mph. So, I upgraded to can motors, dcc control and put led lights in, white at the front, red at the back. I made the dummy into a power car too. Scale speed is now over 110mph, only to be used on generous curves lol. It really flies now. Total cost around £150.00. There is a good video about all the procedures on YouTube, search on Chadwick Model Railway.

[ColinB]

It will work with a modern Hornby controller, I have one out of a Pendulino set that regularly drives locos of that vintage. As someone said, probably just needs a clean.

[ntpntpntp]

Definitely look to cleaning the wheels thoroughly. It is also true that old oil and grease can thicken up and gum-up the mechanism so a service would help, also to clear out fluff etc. Avoid going immediately for the household "3-in-1" oil :) Over-oiling causes as much problem as too little, and really you need specialist thin oil and/or gear grease.

If cleaning and servicing isn't something you're confident about then maybe enquire at your local model railway club or your local model shop?

Once the models are fettled they should run ok on your more modern controller, though it is true that certain basic start-set controllers are a bit limited in power output. I don't consider models form the 80s and 90s to be "old" (many of my locos go back to the 60s and 70s) but designs have improved and become more efficient.

[Going Spare]

The traction tyres will probably need replacing, two to each motor bogie, as may the motor brushes if they have been contaminated by oil.

When lubricating, do not forget the bearing immediately behind the metal drive gear on the motor shaft.

[Strider1979]

Thankyou everyone. Sounds like I should be able to get it up and working then. I've just bought some oil and am in process of cleaning and adding oil so I will try that and then update with progress. Thanks again 👍🏼