NO pull

[Anonymous]

I bought a Lionel RS-3 a few years back. It never had any trouble operateing. IN fact, I used to be ablr to run a train of over 15 cars behind it, but when I built my new track plan, which includes a VERY small grade, it can't even pull itself up it. It will sit there, anywhere in the track, and claw at the rails and not move. I will put it on full power and the wheels still just slide on the rails. I've tried everything. I've cleaned the wheels, axles, and tracks, oiled the gears, bearings, and axles, but nothing works. Does anyone know what I can do to fix it?

[phillyreading]

Have you tried adding a little bit of weight to the locomotive?  Put some weight inside the engine area or shell, lead works well like fishing weights.  Magnets may work too on the underside of the frame.

Lee F.

 

[lionelsoni]

How many motors?  If two, is one not running, or running backwards?  If one, are the idler truck's wheels turning freely?

[hugoroundhouse]

I have a similar problem with an old F I bought for my son at a train show.  It will run around the track alone but has a hard time pulling more than two light cars.  It literally spins its drive wheels, digging for traction.  I pulled the shell off and it was full of old lead wheel weights, so the previous owner had the same problem.  I'm a Flyer guy myself, so I don't know -- Are there traction tires for these units?

 

Jim E.

[marxalot]

The Lionel exploded diagram and parts list shows "drive tires" on the two geared wheels. You might need some new ones.

Jim

 

[Anonymous]

I checked it. The drive tires are completely shot! I think its time I paid the local hobby dealer a visit.