No forward in Polar Express set

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

New to the forum and I'm hoping you can help me out.  This is a new Polar Express set that seems to have reverse and neutral only.  It went forward for a very short period of time (second or two) and has not worked since.

I can cycle the transformer, or push the direction button and go from reverse (train runs) to neutral, to forward (train won't run), to neutral, to reverse (runs again)

I searched through as many prior posts on the topic and it seems there have been problems with the CW80 transformer.

What I've done to troubleshoot so far is:

1.  Clean the track and wheels with denatured alcohol, ensured that they are connected tighly with no gaps.

2.  Shortened the transformer wire to about 12 inches to make sure voltage is up.

3.  Disassembled the locomotive to inspect the circuit board.  The board wasn't exactly tight, and one end seemed to be touching a foam padded part but didn't seem to be shorting to any metal parts, so I rotated it back away from the foam pad.

4.  While apart, I rotated the motor both directions, and I was able to spin it with no resistance and the wheels went both directions freely.

Even though there has been problems with the CW80, I'm leaning toward locomotive motor probems.  Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Scott

[otftch]

Check out my post on the PE.Could be your problem.

                                            Ed

[pbjwilson]

This is Eds post......

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/984716/ShowPost.aspx

[MartyE]

If this is new I would suggest if Ed's fix works then after the holidays get it back to Lionel and reference Ed's thread.  It might help them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help guys...

I read Ed's thread, and pulled the locomotive apart, and rather than "cut" the switch wire, I unplugged it from the circuit board so I can re-attach it easily and not have warranty problems.

No dice.  Stil have reverse only.

[BobbyDing]

Sounds like a warrenty candidate. I suppose you could swap the wires to the motor just to see you thru the Holidays, if you can do it without voiding the warrenty. Just a suggestion.

 

Bobby