LionChief PE Locomotive Wiggle

I can't really see the "wiggle-degree" (video wouldn't expand), but I am sure that you know what you are talking about.

First thing to check: are the traction tires seated properly? This can cause a wiggle (had it happen on a loco or two). Do this before you do anything else.

I have the polar express engine with whistle steam and it tends to waddle down the track.

Can barely notice it on your video.

There was an old thread here mentioning this issue a while back you might want to check out.

This video, will show you the original Polar Express. Take a look and pass it on..... Published December 22, 2015.

Thanks D500.  I checked, tires are OK.  Track is also OK and level. 

Vallieone, the wiggle looks a lot worse in person than I was able to capture on the video.  If you run the train really fast, it tends to be less noticeable, but running slow....

I'm thinking I'll call Lionel after the holidays and see if they will take a look at it.  Until then, I'll try to time the wiggle to "Jingle Bells" or something.

That isn't uncommon with them and the 0-8-0 loco's in the starter sets. Apparently must not be very tight tolerances at the factory for getting the wheels on the axles straight for those.

Seems like it must be the wheels.  If you could take the loco off the track and then supply power and watch the wheels to see if any rotate with with a wiggle.

Thanks, RickM46, after the holidays, before I contact Lionel, I'll try that.  Merry Christmas!  

If the wheel flanges are reasonably true, run it without the traction tire and see if that cleans it up.  Some engines work that tire more than others.  

I sent an engine back to Lionel a couple of years ago for the same wiggle. I was sure it was a bent axle because the tire looked ok to me. They diagnosed it as a lumpy traction tire. Lionel put a new tire on it and sent it back. Worked fine afterwards. Maybe you should change the traction tire before you go thru the trouble of sending it back. Don't they put a couple of spares in the box?

Thanks.  Merry Christmas.  BIG0426, Montclair, I'll try the traction tire option before I make any other moves.