I have a nice 1700E Lionel Junior Streamliner in very good condition, except it doesn't run. I have had the motor out and cannot see any obvious issues. The E-unit cycles and it acts like it would like to go, but it can't. It seems as if the motor is somehow seized. I tried to turn the wheels by hand, and they only move very slightly, then they stop. Does anyone know what the problem might be, or someone who can fix it for me?
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Sounds like the wheels may have expanded from bad casting material causing the gears not to mesh correctly. Also check for something wrapped around axle causing binding. Like tinsel from a Christmas tree.
franktrain
Mike,
franktrain is right on the money. Also, have you replaced the brushes and cleaned the comutator? You might try to jump start it by by-passing the rail pickup.
God Bless,
Pappy
TCA TTOS
Hi Mike,
I have one that belonged to my father... it was missing a drive wheel and the motor seemed pretty well seized up from sitting around for 60+ years. Not quite sure where to start, I went ahead and shipped it off to Dave Laughridge, a.k.a Dr. Tinker, who did a great overhaul. Seeing that thing zip around under the Christmas tree once more brought out a lot of smiles.
I have also seen the intermediate gear fail on these. Also it ma be as simple as the wheels being pressed on the axles too tight.
I suppose it could be just about anything.
Thank you all for your replies. I examined it further. One wheel has a piece missing on the flange and probably needs replacing. A close inspection of the intermediate gear showed a number of teeth missing. This may be the problem. Does anyone have contact information for Mr. Laughridge?
Found the "DR. Tinker" website. Thank you all.
DEAR MIKE, I HAVE BEEN REPAIRING LIONEL AND AMERICAN FLYER TRAINS FOR 25 YEARS GIVE ME A TRY YOU WONT BE DISAPOINTED!!!!! KEN V EMAIL ME THANKS
Keny - e-mail sent.
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