Train runs backwards only

[Anonymous]

I have a Lionel Spirit of 76 locomotive, and I can only get it to run backwards.  I have tested the transformer and track with other engines and I can get them to go forward and backwards (via the transformer).  Any suggestions?  Any good books that describe how engines work?  I am new to model trains.  Any advice wold be appreciated.

[Jumijo]

Is the e-unit locked into one position? On most (but not all) Lionels, the e-unit lever must be all the way to the right for it to cycle correctly. Modern era e-units have a locking switch. Make sure the switch is set to "on" or "unlock".

Jim  

[ChiefEagles]

Is the e-unit locked into one position? On most (but not all) Lionels, the e-unit lever must be all the way to the right for it to cycle correctly. Modern era e-units have a locking switch. Make sure the switch is set to "on" or "unlock".

Jim  

Bet Jim is right.  If not, reverse board or Eunit problem.

[Anonymous]

I appreciate the feedback for my problem but I still need help.  The lever (actuallt the cover for the lever) on the bottom of the train states "Forward & Reverse" (I think, I am work and will have to confirm tonight).  When I take the shell off, there is a folded piece of something (metal I think, resembles sand paper though) on the lever.  It appears to be jarred off.  How/where (what position) is this "metal" supposed to go?  As stated originally, I am new to model trains and eager to learn.  Please talk to me like a child until I pick up the terms/lingo etc. Is the e-unit lever the lever on the bottom?

Thanks again.

[lionelsoni]

The e-unit is the thing that determines the direction of the locomotive.  Most of them sequence through forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, forward, etc.  The handle is for shutting off the sequencing, in whatever state the e-unit was last in when you shut it off.  Yours appears to have been shut off when the locomotive was in reverse.  There is nothing that should have been folded around the lever.  It may be that the electrical switch that the lever is part of got loose with age (not uncommon) and someone wedged something there to hold it in the desired position.  If that seems to you what is going on, it is not hard to fix it in a more permanent way. 

[Jumijo]

...If that seems to you what is going on, it is not hard to fix it in a more permanent way. 

You're not talking about the ball-peen hammer treatment, are you, Bob?

[EIS2]

Assuming the loco has an e-unit rather then electronic circuit board, move the lever to one end of the travel and try cycling through the forward-neutral-reverse cycle.  If it remains in reverse, move the ever to the opposite end of the travel and repeat the test. 

If it is still in reverse, remove the loco shell and check for a broken wire on the e-unit coil.  Also check that the pawl is able to move freely and moves up when power is applied.  Also check that the lever touches with the electrical contact.  I have seen e-unit levers that can move past the electrical contact so they must be placed in a mid position to operate properly.

Good Luck...

Earl