HELP! New O-Gauge train not running smoothly

[eaglephot]

Hi everyone!

I just bought a Lionel Hogwart's Express O-Gauge train set. Everything is set up correctly (I believe) and when I put the train on the track and slowly turn send power to the tracks, the train jerks along the circle for about a foot and then falls off! There is a slight grinding sound, but I do not know what it is from. 

What is wrong? Any help would be appreciated! :)

Thank you,

Peter

[rtraincollector]

grinding doesn't sound good. Did you buy from a hobby shop if so take to them and let them test it from a department store return set for another.

The engine shouldn't fall off track unless your going fast and then on curves. if its not on track right it might also make sure all wheels are on track correctly where flange is on the inside all around. if not that might be what you hear and why it falls off after about a foot. try putting it on at a straight track and get down and look good

and keep asking questions someone will try to help you along

[Boxcar Bill]

Peter

 I would put it on the a piece of straight track and see if you can see daylight between the front drivers and track. If so adjust (bend) leading truck.

Bill

[eaglephot]

Hey! That worked! I could see light between the two. Carefully bent the front and now it is staying on the track. :) Thank you, Bill!!!

It looks great under my tree! 

Thank you SO MUCH for the quick replies guys!

Happy Holidays!

Peter

[eaglephot]

I have another question. How long does it take for the smoke to begin to flow? I put in the recommended 4 drops into the smoke stack. The train has been running for about 10 minutes. The smoke switch is turned to the "ON" position. Should it be smoking by now?

Thank you!

[Cobrabob8]

Yes, and it should be smoking after only a couple of minutes. Try blowing a puff of air down the smoke stack and see it starts to smoke. If it does run it for a few minutes and then add a drop or two more of smoke fluid. You do not want to put too much smoke fluid into the smoke unit. If it does not begin to smoke you may have a defective smoke unit.

Cobrabob.

[eaglephot]

I think my engine is defective. The engine does not start moving until 40-50% throttle. And it jerks to start. It doesn't fall off the tracks anymore. but it is very jerky until about 60-70% throttle. There are two speeds: fast or slowly jerking down the tracks. I am guessing that the train should move slow and smooth in the 10-50% throttle range. When it runs for about 30 minutes non-stop, it begins to slowly slow and jerk a little bit.

Plus, the smoke is still not working. Added a few more drops.

This is sad. My first Lionel train. Should I call them? Is there something I am doing incorrectly?

Thank you for all of your support and help everyone!

[eaglephot]

After watching a bunch of youtube videos of this same train, it seems my engine is defective. :( Mine does not run smooth like the video trains OR puff smoke like the trains I see on youtube. Does anyone know what to do warranty wise, or should I just bring it back to the store?

[TRAINCAT]

If you just bought it take it back and get another one. If you got it at a train store that has a layout they can test run it and maybe fix it.

Roger

[sir james I]

This may not help but the track is shipped with a oily coating on it, you could try cleaning the track and engine wheels. However they are good smokers so you my need to return it or have it serviced.