Polar express problems

If it’s the board that’s toasted then you could upgrade to an ERR kit and control remotely.   That’s what I did.   No more sitting on the floor beside the transformer for me.  

I had a first gen as well with the small motor. It started having issues pulling the set with some add on cars.  IMHO not worth repairing. I got lucky and bought a Lion Chief gen 2 off the forum. Bigger motor and remote, win-win!

Good Luck whatever you decide.

What's the part # on this model? I have an older PE berk.

6-31960  First year of PE.

@RSJB18 posted:

What's the part # on this model? I have an older PE berk.

In Lionel fashion, they never changed the part number, they just upgraded the motor. I did a quick search and it's at least anything 2013 and later. I think LionChief might be the key.

It appears that there are two motors. The second bigger one is not available. Not sure if it would fit. 

all I can say is this unit did not have many miles.  It was just run at Christmas and in rotation with other Locomotives.  some years not run at all.

Hello, i think you have this motor, I have too the first polar express, and I have this small motor. (6208616103)

The part is available on lionel website parts. I know that everybody says the problem comes from the motor.

But in reality, not exactly, the only problem comes from the 2 screws of the motor, sometimes it miss one the 2  screws, so the motor can move, and the worm is used very quickly.

But with 2 screws and a little grease on gears, no problem. Of course the new motor have more power...

A word of warning for anyone who owns one of these.

These came from the factory with little if any grease. It's absolutely imperative to remove the Philips screws on the bottom and open the cover to get grease in the gearbox.

There is no grease screw provision on these like on many other locos.

No question the motor is small. Added drag from friction due to no grease only shortens its life further.

@Art Lites posted:

I have a first gen. Polar Express (I understand that the motors were weak).   I took it out for Christmas after 3-4 years, lubed it and after about 10 times around the tree it stopped.  From that point on it took full power to get it to move.  Took it off track and smelled frying electronics.  Should I attempt to fix it or is time to use it as a door stop?  Are replacement motors available?  Couldn't find parts on Lionel site.

Thanks, Art

Art, I had the exact same issue just a few days ago!  Our Polar Express is the first issue also and it’s only run at Christmas time.  I had just set it up on the track and was running it when it suddenly slowed and ‘poof’ - smoke rolled out from under the boiler.  It’s a family tradition to run this train every Christmas so it must be repaired.  I’ve already ordered a new motor and electronic e-unit, but I’m afraid our streak of running this engine on every Christmas morning has come to an end since Santa brought it to our kids 16 years ago.

Thanks to all for the info.  Rob sorry to hear about the problem repeating itself.  `Think I will grease and open it up.  Motor is only $22```So maybe it is salvageable.  In the meantime, I will poll the cars with my 70-year-old 726rr. Issack670 you can look up the part # with Lionel service.

Here the part