she's running!  well sort of.  we are excited to have gotten this far but the engine isn't running right.  here's what's happening.  when i give it juice, sometimes it goes forward, sometimes it goes backwards, sometimes it doesn't go at all.  switching the lever under the tender does not seem to effect it much although it tends not to run at all when i switch the lever.  i can hear a clicking sound, which seems to be the engine going into reverse.  the lights work consistenly.  the smoke works sporatically.  i cleaned the track and cleaned the wheels.

what's my next move?  take the top off and clean the motor, reverser, etc.  or is there something else i should do to fix the erratic working of the engine.  i'm working on the 283 by the way.  thank you.