My lionel train won't run at all. What do I do? It won't run,it's whistle doesn't work,and the bell doesn't work

You'll need to contact Lionel Customer Service:
586-949-4100 ext. 2

Good work, Dan! Fixing trains can be as much fun as running them.

IfIam correct, the basic Polar Express came with just a whistle. There is an optional coal tender that has a better sound system in it...Whistle bell and steam sound also try reversing the power wires at the transformer or track

The contacts on the switch may be dirty but the most likely problem is that both selenium rectifiers are dead. Replacement silicon rectifiers are available if you want to do the repair yourself. Check the internet for suppliers. You can get the ZW repaired at most good Lionel service centers for a reasonable price. Get a list of service centers by searching on-line or at Lionel.com.

Make sure the A or D terminal is connected to the center rail. U terminal to the outer rail. First do this without the sound activation button. Horn should sound this way. Once this works correctly, add the sound button in on the center rail lead (A or D) If the sound activation button activates the horn, reverse the connections to the sound activation button.
This should solve your difficulties

Replace all batteries in locomotive & remote.
You do need to be fairly close to the set with the
remote for it to work.

You do not specify which Santa Fe steam engine you have, but I am going to guess it's the Santa Fe RTR O27 set...

Here's a link to the manual for it. Go to page 9, read the last paragraph on the page. It may be the answer to your problem


.http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-1900-250.pdf


Hope this helps.

I have the original Instructions for Operating the 1033(written in 1953) - the second paragraph of the "How To Connect Transformer" reads as follows: The "Multi -Control" transformers listed in this leaflet have four binding posts located on the top of the transformers. Of these, "A-U" and "B-U" combinations furnish variable voltage for the track. The control arm of the transformer simultaneously regulate the voltage output of both the "A-U" and the "B-U" combinations. The transformer nameplate indicates the voltage ranges of these two combinations.The "A-U" combination supplies any voltage from 5 to 16 volts. The B-U combination has voltage from 0 to 11 volts. In selecting the proper range of voltage for your particular outfit, try the lower "B-U" combination first. If the maximum train speed is not satisfactory, then try the "A-U" posts.

To paraphrase the "How to Connect Accessories" section: accessories work best with fixed voltage - these voltages are obtained from the following pairs of output binding posts: "A-B" 5 volts; "B-C" 11 volts and "A-C" 16 volts.
Hope this helps, Mark

If you can pull the roof off of Thomas there is an on/off switch within the cab. I don't know if you tried that at all..just a thought..

This is just a guess but it may have powered headlights or other lights on the train at one time, some of then even had a smoke producing device on them.