OLD Hornby Dublo 3Track

I am retired and live in France. About 3 months ago my Son (also Robert) came to visit and brought with him a huge box of Horby Dublo 3 track all dating from the 40s to the 60s. He opened the box and said, 'Can you have a go at fixing this lot for me Dad?' Since then 3 other boxes have arrived all containing various 3t trains, rail and other delights.


I have built a base board, not a big enough one I might add, with the intention of testing (repairing?) everything, piece by piece, as a winter project.


Now, I am completely new to the hobbie and rather thought that YMRC might allow me some initial insight into the mysteries of railway modelling and give me some idea of where I might make a start.


So, having said (written) all that I  posting on the forum this evening to see if someone can advise me………………
How I can use a multi-meter to test track and Engines?
Is flexi track available in 3T and where can I obtain it?
I have a 'St Paddy' engine that just twitches forward mm by mm and hums. Where do I start with this?
I'd also like to buy some rail clips please?



Have a nice day.


Robert.

Robert, if you have a question to ask about Railway Modelling, then you've come to the right place. someone will have an answer for you. 

Robert, might I suggest that you consider contacting the Hornby Collectors Association. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.  Website here:

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Personally, if I was just starting in the hobby, I would sell all of the Hornby three-rail equipment as it is basically vintage collectors' stuff,  and use the money to buy modern two-rail models and track.

Terry

It would depend on the "value" to you of this vintage stuff Robert.

If you want to build a model railway, then Terry is right - sell it off and replace with modern 2 rail stuff.  It's much better quality and readily available.

If however, you are a collector, or the collection has "sentimental value", then it can all be repaired and will run reasonably well.

Re using the multimeter to test your track - the "feed" is to the centre rail and the "return" via the outer two.  What you're looking for is the flow between centre and outer - those are the two that should be connected to the multimeter.  Testing across the two outer rails will give you nothing.

Sililarly, to test the engines - connect one lead from the multimeter to the wheels and the other to the skids between them.  This will show if there's current flowing through the motor.

It also sounds as if the St Paddy needs a good clean.  The "twitch" and hum could be worn brushes,  a sticky bearing - clogged with dirt/dust - or even a worn out bearing which jams the rotor or worse still, a "dead" motor.  All are repairable but you may have to search for spare parts.

Terry's link is a good starting place.

Let us know how you get on. :thumbs

Hi Robert

Given the age, I would suspect that the magnet has lost its magnetism. My Wrenn Duchess makes simiolar noises.
A replacement magnet can be sourced from ebay for approx £8. Search for "neodymium magents for hornby doublo" or wrenn locos.
These are far more powerful than the original magents.

As others have said, unless these have sentimental value, upgrading to newer would be a better way to go. Getting additional 3 rail track etc, comes in at collectors prices, although some bargins can be had on ebay.

Paul

There is generally a large range of HD spares on Ebay.