Lionel Engine 2026

[Anonymous]

my lionel engine 2026 runs great but has a problem bogging down and stalling out for some unknown reason. have taken it apart several times and cleaned and oiled the parts. any suggestions as to why it just stops running? starts making a chripping sound just before everything quits. thanks, julia

[ED WHITFORD]

Hi, Dose this happen in the same spots on your lay out or is it random?

[dwiemer]

First off, Welcome to the forum. These folks should be able to help with any problems (train related). As to your situation, your rods may be out of sinc. This would certainly bogg your engine down. Also, have you oiled your armature ends and have you replaced brushes and springs? As I say, it can be a number of things, but start with the simple first.
Dennis

[marxalot]

Okay by my login I'm more Marx but I have worked on several Lionel units over the years too. I can relate to the chirping sound as I had a Lionel 1666 (I think that was the number) which would run great , then start chirping and losing power. I had cleaned and oiled that dude too. What it turned out to be was the bushing for the motor shaft located on the brush plate. It had worn out of round. Now the gear on the motor is on the opposite end of this shaft but in certain positions it would allow for that gear to start slipping and chirping. You could check this by operating the motor on the bench and gently pushing on the shaft at the bushing. If you can get the chirp look into getting a new brush plate.

Jim

[alank]

I would have to agree with Marxalot. I have a 2035 that did the same thing. After fixing it myself and then having it serviced when it came back, it was determined it was a worn brush plate. The engine always ran good till the chirping started. I always liked running my 2035, but was afraid of stipping gears when the noise sounded.

[alank]

I was thinking about this post today, and the problem you describe is another reason I like newer engines. While I will always have a certain amount postwar around, the newer stuff runs so much better, and you don't have to worry about the chirping sounds etc. I have enjoyed my time of fixing engines, etc., but enjoy more running my trains today. Reliability and not trying to figure why some old engine isn't working well.