Lionel 1656 Steam - Side Rods issue

This topic may be helpful:

Lionel Post War Steam Engine (1656) Cast - https://ogrforum.com/topic/70974704612394716

@Lar1944 - Been there, done that!  That’s why I learned (from the Forum AFTER my side rods were binding 🤪) to always take a photo(s) of the steam engine before starting to disassemble anything, regardless of whether one is just replacing a rubber traction tire on a modern steamer or taking it apart to do general maintenance.

Good Luck in getting the problem resolved!

There are a lot of reasons for the binding.
1. The cross guide end tab slide off the rail and the tab hits the end of the rail.

2. wrong screw is used on the connecting rod and the screw tightens on the rod.

3. Wrong screw is used on the cross head connecting rail at the wheel

4. the valve gear is backwards on the wrong side

5. The valve gear has the wrong pin or screw and valve gear binds

if you haven’t moved the wheels than check the following

I might provide better help if I see a photo of what you have installed

when it binds touch the connecting rods and see what one Is tight that’s the one to focus on.