Lionel JLC Allegheny problem

You may have to pull the shell on this one... not a fun one to pull.

could be a bind. I broke a u-joint on my EM-1, experienced a similar buzz and bind syndrome.

Have you checked to see if any small objects have become caught in the drivetrain? Sometimes a little piece of debris can find its way into the most unexpected of places.

It has that flexible hose on it that connects the boiler to the trucks ... you just would like to cut it off and throw it across the room! But anyways, if you can have someone look at it , then its money well spent.

Every time I have had this problem it has been due to a traction tire that has come off the rim and is either binding a wheel or the push rods.

Good luck,

Don

when you pull the shell, check the wiring harness near the flywheel. mine rubbed through and caused problems. I wound up making a shield from a plastic bottle to surround the flywheel.

I've had that happen twice..If the engine moves when you nudge it, its most likely a board not seated in a socket. 

If the engine appears locked and hums when apply power, first look for a shreded tire then look for a loose brake shoe binding a driver or one that is mounted too close.

Joe 

Is there a procedure to remove the boiler without ruining the hoses (springs)?

I open mine all the time - 4 screws.  Two under the cab, two inside the rear steam chest (pistons for rear drivers).  You just have to make sure the pipe disengages from the boiler, but that is really not that hard.