I have a Lionel conventional 0-6-0 dockside switcher and it used to run fin but now it only runs in reverse and very slowly. What could be wrong and what should I do to resolve the issue?
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What is the catalog number of the locomotive you have?
It could be almost anything from a bad board, motor, gear problem, wheels binding up.
Hook a DC voltmeter to the motor terminals and apply power. Reverse direction and read the voltage again. You should get similar readings, albeit one should be negative.
Depending on the outcome of this test, it will clear the board.
Can you turn the motor by hand? If you can, does it feel the same in both directions?
Pull the motor out and turn the wheels by hand in both directions. Do they turn freely or is there any binding?
Larry
If you have a first-generation one, as I do, it could be a bad motor. Mine started whining and running sluggishly, so I got a motor from Lionel (called "Type 2" or something like that) which dropped right in and fixed the problem.
49Lionel posted:If you have a first-generation one, as I do, it could be a bad motor. Mine started whining and running sluggishly, so I got a motor from Lionel (called "Type 2" or something like that) which dropped right in and fixed the problem.
Did yours run very slow than fast? And then at one point was only running in reverse and slowly?
No, mine ran equally poorly in both directions, and would not run fast. The motor sounded as if it had dry bearings, but in the end needed to be replaced completely. Thankfully, not an expensive part nor a complicated job.
49Lionel posted:If you have a first-generation one, as I do, it could be a bad motor. Mine started whining and running sluggishly, so I got a motor from Lionel (called "Type 2" or something like that) which dropped right in and fixed the problem.
I was told that the type 2 motors would not fit the first gen docksiders by a woman in the service department at Lionel. I was going to order a new motor for mine, so I didn't, because of her advise. Did you have to do any modifying of the frame? I was told that the mounting holes where off my a 1/4" so new holes had to be drilled and tapped for the type 2 motor to fit.
Paul
I'm sure I didn't have to do any drilling/tapping, but that was a while ago so I'd go with what Lionel is telling you.
I have noticed that what Lionel says is not always correct, surprisingly.
What she said is correct. The lady at Lionel, that is.
It's a he by the way. Not taken
If the motor is the issue... I have a gen 1 docside as well with the "type 1" motor. It too had the bushings go bad. Lionel said they have no type 1 motors and that the type 2 motor has different a mounting hole layout. Lionel suggested I contact Frank Timko of Timko Repair Depot. I did contact him and he said he has compatible motors - something equivalent to the original as well as an "upgraded" better quality motor. This was several years ago and I ended up not buying the motor out of laziness and having other engines that run. At any rate, it seems acceptable motors exist - if anyone knows where we can find them without the middle man. It is my understanding however that the flywheel needs to be removed from the original and placed on the shaft of the replacement motor - involving time, tools, know how....
