Newbie needs help
I've been reading threads about cleaning the track and wheels on the engine itself, which have been helpful. As we've never had a train before (my wife and son), we've used a "Hawthorne Village" Chiefs train as our Christmas train the past 3 years, adding peices and track to the set each year. I've never done anything to clean the engine, wheels, or track since weve purchased it. I will get the rubbing alcohol and the T-shirt out to the tracks immediately.
My concern is that the engine is starting to make some noises while circling the track, and I'm not talking about hte normal clickty clack. It's more of a grinding or buzzing when it's going around the track. I don't want to burn up the engine by pulling too much weight, but there are only 5 cars behind it (4 passenger) and the "motor" car. Will cleaning the wheels help resolve this? I'm hoping that it's just dirty wheels or contacts, but is there anything else I can check on?
Thanks for being patient wtih this newb. Please reply, drop me an email, or if you have AIM, my IM is AWyant3477.