Engine just sits. Did normal maintenance placed on track moved forward 3 feet than stopped. Attempted to reset using reverse procedure. no luck
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Hi Sherman
is this a older Polar express or the newer Lion chief version ?
In newer , did you use new batteries ?
if older , check transformer & track connections .
did it stop on the newer Fasttrack girder bridges ? if yes replace the bridge with a 10" straight track & try running again . The Black girder bridge seems to have a flaw of some type .
hope this helps .
This the older original Polar Express engine. Other engines are running fine on same track. Was moving up an incline toward my 1950's girder bridge on 3 foot section of fast track. Half way around curve than up incline.Stopped 1 full engine length. This is becoming a strange Christmas Layout.
Sherman
I had the first run of the PE. Engine died after 2 years. Motor was too small. It was replaced with a larger can motor. Still ticking 10 years on.
On a lark, check the siderod screws. I had one back out and stop the engine as it caught on the next rod.
Thanks I'll check
It looks as if everything is there, no screws missing.
Sherman
When it's on the track and you begin to apply power, does the headlamp begin to light?
If yes, it may be a mechanical gear issue or a motor or motor wiring issue. The collector rollers and insulator can be removed to check for a broken wire and the drive gear cover can be removed to check for worn or non-lubricated gears. Be careful not to allow the axles of the wheel sets and bearings to move or come out. Make a cradle with a miter box and a towel to hold the engine.
If no, it's not getting power from the track to the internals.
Check for a broken or shorted common wire on the rear truck. I don't recall if the pilot truck had one. it's should be connected to the copper axle wiper.
Check the pilot truck and trailing truck axle bearings to determine if one is broken and causing a short by letting axle touch the center rail.
You don't need the tender attached or any other cars on the track when testing. Don't want to complicate things with other variables.
My P.E. 31960 set included the second iteration of the loco, which has the larger motor. While I was test running it fresh out of the box it too stalled out. Disappointed but undaunted I removed the boiler shell and perceived a circuit board with a couple or three very small white plugs containing various wires plugged into it. I reseated all of them and viola - the engine has been working properly since 2008. Don't know if this'll work for you but I figure it's worth a shot.
Pete
