Lionel New York Central won't reverse?

[simonmason]

I have had this set for about 10 years.  A couple of years ago it stopped reversing.  When I push the direction button on the controller it pauses and then continues going in the same direction when I release the button.  I thought the small plastic controller that came with the set was the issue so I bought a CW-80 but it does the same thing.  I saw some other posts about using a lighted car - I have a lighted caboose on the train right now.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

[mgbbob]

The obivious question would be is the lever for the e-unit thrown the wrong way?

[simonmason]

Thanks, I didn't know that there was a switch (I am a complete newbie!). 

[rtraincollector]

simonmason

I have had this set for about 10 years.  A couple of years ago it stopped reversing.  When I push the direction button on the controller it pauses and then continues going in the same direction when I release the button.  I thought the small plastic controller that came with the set was the issue so I bought a CW-80 but it does the same thing.  I saw some other posts about using a lighted car - I have a lighted caboose on the train right now.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Heres a couple of things to try and help you. ! if its the steam engine that came with the starter sets from mid 90's to early 2000 there is a switch under the cab right below the windows actually there may be 2 one for smoke one for electronic E-unit. any way push it the other way and see if it helps.

second I have had the E-Unit go bad on those and replaced them with no problem minor soldering required and I even used the soldering iron about the size of an old wood burner.

try the top way first also here is a link to a manual of your engine which will show you the switch ( or what I think is your engine )

http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/32610-8632-001Complete.pdf

hope this helps