8960 SP U36C has sound but is not running?

I came across your post when doing some research for my 8960. I am surprised no one responded.

I would check the reverse unit switch on the bottom and make sure it is in the "on" position. I don't have much experience with the older style reverse units. They are very simple. Lionel used them for decades and there aren't many problems with them. I have two 8960's and actually just got around to running one of them for the first time tonight. It was sluggish and took a lot of voltage to get it running. At first I thought it wasn't working properly, but after getting the voltage up a good bit and cycling power a few times, it finally started running properly. I ran it for a lap, then lubed it up and put it back on the track and it is running much better and starts up at just over five volts. It is drawing about an amp at 10 volts.

If the e-unit is buzzing, at least it is getting power. It could be stuck if it is in the ON position. A broken wire could be the issue. There are only a few wires. finding a broken one should be easy.

Check for binding in the truck and motor. The wheels should turn on the power truck by using your fingers to turn the wheels and it will back drive the motor armature. I have had debris in trucks causes issues in the past.

These are a few places to start if you still haven't resolved the issue.

Different question about the 8960. I have one and its light bulb has died. Looks like it uses a Lionel 8352 bulb but I don't know if it is the 14v or 18v version of the bulb. Any idea which version to replace it with? Thanks.

It originally came with the 14v version of the bulb. The 18v bulb certainly won't hurt it, but it will be less bright although longevity could be extended.

TRW

Great, thanks for the information.