Hi everyone, I recently came across a small lot of locomotives and have been going through them, cleaning, lubing and getting them to run. I have a model 249 that will only run in reverse. It seems that no matter what I do with the transformer or the lever on top of the locomotive, it only goes in one direction. Any suggestions? I am definitely a novice, so be easy on me.
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Is the e-unit cycling? Could be a worn out drum?
I am pretty sure I know what an e-unit is, but I don't know how to tell if it's cycling or not. Is there a way to test it? Should the lever on top do anything? On several of my other loco's that lever "disengages" the drive, or puts it in neutral. The lever on this one doesn't seem to do anything. Thanks very much for the reply.
Do you have the prewar (metal) or postwar (plastic, orange stripe) 249?
Since you say the switch does nothing, I assume that you have the postwar 249 (and no broken field windings since this would result in a neutral position).
The postwar 249 has a double wound motor and practically infallible two position e-unit, no drum and no neutral. There are really only two potential problems beyond a bad or broken e-unit switch:
1. The e-unit solenoid is not getting power to "flip" the direction due to a missing/broken/loose wire (or a burned-out magnetic coil). Does the e-unit buzz at all?
2. Stuck or broken "toggle" switch (internal to the e-unit). This almost always works its way free after repeated cycling (and maybe a shot of tuner cleaner if particularly recalcitrant). A sharp rap on the locomotive with the power off can also encourage it.
In either instance, pictures without the shell might be helpful.
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