ok i got a (what i hope is a minor technical issue) problem with a locomotive, it wont back up. maybe im doing something wrong? i dont know. it runs forward just fine, but no backing up. i would like to repair this before i have my grandson again. im going to post pictures of my transformer and locomotive(the yellow locomotive is the problem child).
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Are you sure it has a reversing unit? I have seen several of those that just had a bridge rectifier and were wired for "forward only" operation. One came from a K-Mart set as I recall.
Are you sure it has a reversing unit? I have seen several of those that just had a bridge rectifier and were wired for "forward only" operation. One came from a K-Mart set as I recall.
i have no idea, i dont know how to check either. im extremely new to Lionel anything. i was given this locomotive and im trying to get set up for my grandson.
Check the reverse unit switch on the bottom, near or in the fuel tank.
Check the reverse unit switch on the bottom, near or in the fuel tank.
cant find one
The Lionel Construction Zone set has a RS-3 with just one motor and no reverse, it turns out. You can add a reverse unit if desired, but the engine will not pull much more than the few cars that came in the set.
I'll bet it's the one that I remember with no reverse, just forward operation.
The Lionel Construction Zone set has a RS-3 with just one motor and no reverse, it turns out. You can add a reverse unit if desired, but the engine will not pull much more than the few cars that came in the set.
well thats a drag, this looks to be what i have. oh well, time to start saving up for a decent loco for the grandson. thank you all so much for clearing up this mystery.
It would be simple to put a Lionel electronic reverse board in that one, just a few wires. If you need one, send me an email (from my profile), I'll make you an excellent deal on a reverse board. 
Karvelis,
I'd take John up on his offer. Unless you're running a traction yard one does not need reverse unit(IMHO). Another option would be to install a set of WbB boards. By doing so you will have a horn/bell (TB II). Let us know your status.
The Williams set is nice, but it'll be quite a bit more money. It obviously is nice to have the horn and bell.
John, That was the TRU set. I got mine on clearance for $50 decades ago. I actually installed a whole new RS-3 frame with dual motors, and horn. Added additional lights.
Johns method is the easiest. The Lionel Reverse unit is inexpensive and easy to install. Will definitely handle the single motor. G
I think I have several Williams reverse units in my parts box, they easily handle two motors, so one shouldn't be an issue. In the simplest mode, just four wires, connect the pickups and the motor and you're done. 
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