259E Problem

How does the commutator look? How about the brushes and springs? What shape is the E-unit in? I would clean everything real good and try again.

I wonder whether there is some sort of coating on your new wheels that is affecting their electrical contact with the rails.

I just restored a 259E, when I got it, it was a little sticky. I took it all apart and cleaned everything including the commentator and brushes, make sure all the contacts are solid. That usually works.

I'm no expert Rob, but in my experience such symptoms usually relate to commutator and brushes needing cleaning.  The 259E is a great runner.

 I will try cleaning everything again, and let know what happens.

a common problem is the pick up assembly is tweaked a little and the rollers are putting very little pressure on the center rail.

Steve

Rob,

   Clean her up with a little CRC electric spray cleaner and see what happens.

PCRR/Dave

I had the same problem with mine.  I bent the pick up rollers down a little to have a tighter contact with the 3rd rail, it took off like a rocket.

Brush spring tension can be a big factor on how these motors run. If you can run it on its side on the bench, poke each brush gently with a toothpick and see if the motor speeds up.

Got it running good.  But I think the E unit hangs up a little before it changes direction.  If I push the direction switch on top of the unit I here the e unit release, and then the unit will change direction.  The switch goes from right to left I push it forward just a little not right or left to make e unit work.  If I don't push the switch the unit will not change direction.  Any suggestions.  I hope I described the issue well enough, so you can understand the problem.   

Rob,

It's late and this ol' man is tired.  I'll check my 259 tomorrow morning. I'll see if I can get a photo.