Lionel Dodge Track Inspection truck 6-18438

[ETHOVER]

I recently purchased a Lionel Dodge Track inspection truck 6-18438 at a train show. It was new in the box for $25. Good deal! I thought.....

So I finally got a chance to try it out after a few weeks, and it does not work. It seems whenever I set it on the track nothing happens. When I push it or move it a bit, then it might work a little. I have to "twist" it between the rails to get some type of connection or movement. By twisting it, I mean that it's setting on the track, then from above I grab it, and turn left or right to get a little movement. 

Does anyone know what may be the issue or can point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance! 

Eric 

 

[TrainLarry]

First, make sure that the wheels and pickup strip are clean. Next, make sure the track is clean also. Clean with naphtha if necessary. These are the usual things to look for in an intermittent power situation.

Larry

[jwse30]

I agree that it sounds like a dirty wheels and/or track. Do the lights come on when it is placed on the track, or only after you "twist" it a bit? After the wheels and track are cleaned, if it still doesn't work, there may be a loose connection under the hood. IIRC the connections for all the lights and the motor are tied together with a pair of wire nuts. Maybe one of the wires isn't in the nut all the way.

I had one that would only run in one direction (don't remember which), but it turned out that I was running the car at such low voltage that the reversing unit wasn't getting enough juice to sequence.

Hope this helps,

J White