An odd question-- what's the likely running condition of an HO dcc/sound locomotive, new in box and never removed from box, that's about 12 years old?
Should be no issues at all. Unless it was stored in some awful conditons, it should be just fine.
I have new locos still boxed up.....some are approaching 10 years now and still factory sealed. I would expect nothing less than for them to fire up as expected when I unbox them.
But I'm sure the experts will be along with their horror stories of corrosion and solidified grease. ::)
Sid
Quote from: WoundedBear on January 29, 2018, 10:58:35 PM
I'm sure the experts will be along with their horror stories of corrosion and solidified grease.
I'm not an expert, but I still prefer to lube old locos before running just to be safe.
Wouldn't want to burn out the motor on its trial run.
If it's been sitting in the box for 12 years, you'll definately want to oil and grease it before running. After that much time the volatiles in any factory applied lube will have evaporated. And that's not a good thing.
Len
Storage conditions make all the difference.
I don't apply fresh lubrication without first removing all the old stuff.
My weapon of choice is CRC "QD Contact Cleaner" #02130
I blast it off using the straw.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRC-QD-Electronic-Parts-Cleaner/21489084
Good luck