The Engine that Couldn't

[Anonymous]

I have a little Lionel engine called the "General" that seems to only want to go in reverse. You put power to it and it may go forward just a little bit regardless of how much power you give it but just does not want to go forward. I have tried the E selector in all of the positions but nothing changes. I have another engine and it works fine both forward and reverse. I tried lubing everything and making sure that everything is clean but no results. I am running just a 40 watt transformer that is majorily overtaxed on my layout right now but I dont think that has anything to do with it since it will go in reverse just fine and the other engine works fine. Any ideas to what the problem might be would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I'm a 2 railer myself, and you didn't say whether this engine is new or used, assuming that it is a used piece, since I don't think Lionel or any of the other 3 rail manufacturers are making the General at that moment, it sounds like your reversing unit has gone bad, if it is an older engine, get a hold of someone that does Lionel repairs, they can probably get you an e unit, if it is a new engine, then your reversing unit is now electronic, and is easily replaced by Lionel...........:o)

[Anonymous]

Mark take it to TRAINS LTD LLC in Charlotte NC not far from where you live.They work on Lionel.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like what I need to do, was hoping that it was something that I could do or needed to do but I will run it up there next week and see what they have to say.

[Anonymous]

Tell Rich and Lane that Russ sent you.

[BR60103]

Mark:
This is a wild suggestion, but check between the drivers and the frame for any nails or spikes that may have been picked up. Especially if it has magne-traction. Sometimes they get picked up in a way that the wheels only rotate one way. Also check that nothing is hitting the side rods and that the pins holding the rods are not sticking out. If it goes forward a little bit (but less than one revolution of the wheels) it sounds more like something mechanical.
David