Help! I purchased a new Legacy 4-4-2 "Atlantic" 6-11225 new from an authorized Lionel dealer. Generally it runs very well. But since the very first time I put it on the track, I noticed a pronounced shuddering or vibration between certain slow speeds. This happens whether the loco is running light or pulling a short train, usually between Legacy speed steps 14 and 23 "restricted" speed. At some speeds it's so bad that the tender drawbar chatters audibly with a clicking noise like a telegraph key. I can also feel a vibration if I rest my hand lightly on the locomotive body. You can even feel this vibration 4 cars back in the train!
It almost reminds me of a tire balancing issue I once had with my car, which caused a noticeable vibration at certain speeds. This makes me suspect an out-of-balance flywheel. Except... the vibration only occurs in Forward, absolutely NO sign of it in reverse at the exact same speeds, or any speed! Could it be a gear mesh problem? I would prefer not to send this loco back because everything else works. I might live with it, but the ch-ch-chattering is annoying. Also, if the flywheel IS out of balance, or the gears aren't properly meshed, the mechanism will destroy itself prematurely. Please advise!!
P.S. let me add, I believe this is a mechanical problem, not a "Legacy" problem. -Ted
