Lionel Crafts & Hobbies - Page 4 - Recent Questions, Troubleshooting & Support
New Lionel Polar Express train set-up issue. The
My son just got this train and we are having the same problem. Taking the last car off solved the problem for us. I think it has something to do with accessories and the transformer voltage output (See page 14 and 15 of the instructions).
I have still not determined why it won't run with the final car but am assuming it has something to do with the lights on the cars pulling too many amps and not enough left to run the train. I will let you know if I find a solution. If anyone else knows how to solve the issue, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
The gate isluggish when it
Sounds like the solenoid is binding against the inside of the coil. Did you look underneath to see if some crud got in there?
I have a 1950's engine and transformer. I run it
Turn the power to the track off and then back on. The engine may stay still because the train is in neutral. Turn the power off and on once again. The engine should now go forward or reverse. Turning the powere on and off again will return the train to neutral. On and off again should make the train move in the opposite direction. If all of these steps work then the problem is in the "Direction" button of the transformer. But if the problem still persist, than the "E" unit in the engine needs to be serviced. More times than not it is the E unit. The direction button is a simple momentary off switch that has few moving parts.
Whenever a piece of rolling stock sits on any
You must use insulator pins on the inside rails than come off the frog. Also make sure each track after the switch is wired with the same polarity. Keep power to center rail and ground to the same outside rail.
How often should tracks be cleaned. Engine slows down after running for a while
It depends upon how much you run your trains. Run your finger or clean cloth on the rail. If you see a dark mark your tracks need cleaning. You can also run another set of wires from the transformer to the spot on the track furthest from the transformer. You can even run a third or fourth equally spaced apart if you have large loops and long and heavy trains.
What is lionel smoke pellet tamper used for? Why needed?
Yes, you do just drop the pellet in...But if there is any kind of crud built up in thesmoke stack, it may not allow the pelletto seat on the heating element. Thus thetamper is included to allow you to pushthe pellet all the way down. If you don'thave one, a piece of wooden dowel the right diameter can be used.
My transformer did not work
The internal fuse is probably blown. Contact Lionel at Lionel.com for instructions on how to get a replacement.
Lionel g gauge wont run on track
I think you have solved the problem. Check all the wheels to be sure that they all turn. The locomotive isn't powerful enough to drag a car with a stuck wheel.
Won't start
There are more than just one Polar Express set. What's the set number?
Lionel f7 only runs in reverse
Have you checked to see if the direction switch is on? Most Lionel locomotives can be set to run in one direction by turning the direction sequencing off. This is true for the newer electronic direction circuits and the older electromechanical E-units. Sometimes the direction units fail and the locomotive will only go in one direction or sits in neutral. If that is the case, the direction unit will need to be serviced (mechanical type) or replaced (electronic type). Go to Lionel.com for additional information and help.
Lionel # 3830 submarine instructions for assembly
You can download instructions and product manuals at Lionel.com in their customer service section. If you don't find what you need, use the Contact Us link to ask for help. Lionel offers great customer support.
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