Louis Marx Train Set Help

[DuRocher]

Hello all I have gotting an Louis Mark Train Set from my father-in-law. I have tested it out it runs when I put power to the train and to the road bed. But the train it self will not move foward. I am wonding how to get it to move?

[lionelsoni]

It seems like you're saying that the "train" both runs but doesn't run, which is a contradiction.

By "train", do you mean "locomotive"? 

[pennytrains]

ABOARD!

Is there a small lever anywhere on the locomotive?  The reverse unit may be locked in neutral if it has one.

Becky

[DuRocher]

Yes the locomotive

[DuRocher]

it looks like there was a lever but I am not sure were it connects to.

[lionelsoni]

So is the problem that the locomotive runs when it is coupled to a train of cars, but will not run when put on the track by itself?

Is the locomotive a model of a steam locomotive or of a Diesel or electric locomotive?  Is there a number on the side of the locomotive?  If it's a steam locomotive, will it run with just the tender coupled to the locomotive?  (The tender is the car immediatly behind the locomotive and carries the fuel and water.)

[Flintlock76]

Maybe the best thing for you to do is try and work out the problem with a simple "Yes, or No" approach.  

Try this:

Place the locomotive on the track by itself, then apply the power.  Does the locomotive run?  Yes, or no. If no, you've got a problem with the locomotive. If yes, good.

Is is a steam locomotive?  Try it with the tender (coal car) attached.  Does it still run?  If no, something with the tender may be causing a short circuit.  If yes, proceed to the next step.

This will apply with either steam or diesel locomotives.

Start adding cars individually.  If they're passenger cars with lights and now the train won't run there's probably a short in one or more of the cars.  Try them individually until you find the bad car. If they're freight cars try the same thing, there may be a problem with one of them.

One last thing, when power is applied to the track do the locomotives wheels turn but the train doesn't move?  The drive wheels on the locomotive MAY have worn slick and can't get traction, I've seen that happen. 

Get back to us and let us know how it turns out.

 

[ADCX Rob]

Running Original Marx Trains