Lionel S-2 Switcher

A model number would be helpful.  If this is the TMCC version, or Legacy version, there is only one vertical motor, in the center.  It drives a horizontal shaft which is connected to the truck assemblies via a small propeller shaft.  You need to determine which drive component is not working.  If you can run the locomotive up side down you might be able to see where movement stops.

Again, if this it the TMCC version all of the drive line parts are available form Lionel.

If you have not taken the unit apart be prepared; it is a bear to disassemble and worst to reassemble.  Be especially careful removing the cab and hood.  After you remove the screws, there are plastic tabs on both the cab and the hood.  Remove the cab first - the tabs face the hood.  With the cab off, squeeze the cab end to release the hood then raise it like a car hood to release the tabs at the other end  - make sure you removed the screw at the end.

Good luck.

Thanks alot Dan

I had (actually still have) one of these early S-2's. The drive train is not robust. Mine died also - motor and electronics OK; mechanically dead in the water. Took it apart, diagnosed the issue (gears on the axle shafts, I believe - been a while), got new parts from Lionel, installed them, and they immediately failed. (BTW, I do have experience with modern 3RO equipment.)

This, after a wrestling match - and dollar expenditure - with a delicate and poorly-designed loco (2 truck side frames broke off, for example). I literally threw everything in a box, tossed it on a shelf, and haven't looked at it since. One day the TMCC will go in another loco (maybe a nice MTH S-2 with proper dual-vertical-motor drivetrain?), and the now "dummy" will be re-painted.

Sorry for the rant, but be careful with these. Just my experience, but it happened. They can put you in the $100 saddle on a $50 horse scenario.

Opened the customers box and found this new S4...

Junk

                            Stick with MTH engines as I do.

@D500 posted:

I had (actually still have) one of these early S-2's. The drive train is not robust. Mine died also - motor and electronics OK; mechanically dead in the water. Took it apart, diagnosed the issue (gears on the axle shafts, I believe - been a while), got new parts from Lionel, installed them, and they immediately failed. (BTW, I do have experience with modern 3RO equipment.)

This, after a wrestling match - and dollar expenditure - with a delicate and poorly-designed loco (2 truck side frames broke off, for example). I literally threw everything in a box, tossed it on a shelf, and haven't looked at it since. One day the TMCC will go in another loco (maybe a nice MTH S-2 with proper dual-vertical-motor drivetrain?), and the now "dummy" will be re-painted.

Sorry for the rant, but be careful with these. Just my experience, but it happened. They can put you in the $100 saddle on a $50 horse scenario.

Thanks for the insight.  I was afraid of that.  I brought a S-2 and a S-4 on an auction.  Both have the same drive train problem.  I am trying to return them because I think the repairs will cost as much as what I paid and if the parts fail again I will be right where you got to.

I also had the same problem with a S-2 switcher, Chesapeake & Ohio.  It would continually stall out unexpectedly all the time.  And I was running it on Fastrak.  I now have a Chessie S-7 switcher from Lionel and it runs great!

Yep, a lot of problems with those early Lionel S-2 Switchers.  I have one in the Lehigh Valley livery and it has been a nightmare over the years.  Like everyone else I had the same problem with stalling especially over switches.  I took it to two different local hobby shops for repair and they both declined to do the repair based on the disassembly troubles with this engine.  They assured me there would be broken parts in the process especially the two plastic tabs.  They told me to send it back to Lionel.  Well, I tried it myself and it was not fun and yes the two tabs did break in the process.  Also, as I was wrestling with it one of the trucks literally snapped in two as I was applying hand pressure only to get the hood off.   Good old Chinese production.  These early S-2s have to be one of the poorest designed locomotives by any manufacturer in the history of toy making.  This piece of junk resides on a dusty shelf with the broken truck side along the wall.

@SIRT posted:

Opened the customers box and found this new S4...

Junk

                            Stick with MTH engines as I do.

I just took mine off the shelf to run and this is exactly what happened to me.  Awaiting a 2 dollar part from Lionel.

I have one of the newer releases from last year - Northern Pacific Terminal - should I be concerned ???

Thanks

I wonder who creates the design. Lionel or the contractor?

@romiller49 posted:

I wonder who creates the design. Lionel or the contractor?

I presume Lionel created the design but no way to know for sure.  Its too bad this engine was/is such a problem to contend with because on the whole it looks great and is geared perfectly for a switcher; nice slow speeds.  Unfortunately its liabilities exceeds its assets.

Are there any constructive suggestions to "fix" the problem for those of us who own this model?  Or is it best to sell it?

Has Lionel offered any suggestions or replacement parts?  I find it disheartening that no one on the forum has any solutions. It's a kick in the head after spending $350 on an engine.  I wish Lionel offered some restitution.

I have one of the original TMCC S2's from the early 2000's, and it has always been robust and responsive.  It has the anemic little switcher air horn sound, and is the only engine that I regularly use smoke in.

I have two of these, an early TMCC model, and a Legacy model from 2011. I've had both apart for complete stripping and repainting. The tabs on the cab and body shells are annoying, but not the end of the world - do the cab first, pry each tab up individually and slip a toothpick in to hold it released as you do the others. The tabs on the front of the hood act as a hinge with the way they're shaped, so the back hood needs to be lifted up in an arc after all all the screws are removed, about 30 degrees. Then slide the hood backwards towards where the cab was to free the front tabs.

I've never had drivetrain issues with either engine - the single motor is plenty powerful, and the universal drive arrangement makes for nice slow, smooth running as a switcher should have. I also picked up both used, so they were handled and shipped multiple times before getting to me - no broken components.

I'm not saying that the models don't have issues (the photos posted above are evidence enough), but not every one is a guaranteed lemon. Cosmetically, the fixed pilots are a huge advantage over the swinging pilots of the MTH model. I would not hesitate to pick up another if the price was right and I had a project in mind.

~C. Vigs

I have the s4 legacy santa fe with Bluetooth. do these suffer the same issues? should I limit the number of cars it pulls? I have not had any issues with it yet and I have used it quite a bit. I have only pulled about 10 to 11 cars total with it just to be safe. the real ones I am sure had a pulling limit. this one has great slow speed and I really like the crew dialog on this engine. it is my favorite switcher. I hope it does not break as in the photos above.

Should I be wary of the new Sw8 offered this year?  Was going to pre order the Strasburg.

This is a TMCC version, originally a Western Pacific S-2, repainted for Weirton Steel.  Knock on wood, runs great.

George

I have a 6-28533 S2 Seaboard and the drive shaft just popped out ?? Does not look like it is broken just popped out of the assembly. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get it back in form the bottom ?? Looks like this is a commmon problem with these. We have another one that works fine and we wanted to LASH Up the 2 Engines for switching in the yard but need help with this fix. Any input is appreciated.

Have a B&O S-2, 6-28539.  Bought from a friend's collection in June 2010.  Haven't run it for quite a while.  Decided to check it out based on this thread.  Had to install the battery first...PITA!! (separate subject, if explanation needed.) 

Runs beautifully! 

Don't know if this is the same genre that y'all talking about having drivetrain troubles.  I should expect it to croak over time?  (Another loco lurking in the basement to lose sleep over??...As if the imaginary Zinc Pest munching sounds weren't enough!!)  Maybe I should sell it while it has...integrity?

I love these sort of threads....................................NOT!!!

KD