Welcome to the forum!

A few things we need to know to help you:

What track are you using - '027' or '0' gauge track?

What switches are you using? Do they have the insulating pins in them?

What "connectors" do you have - they usually have numbers on them.

List the numbers of the accessories so we can get you wiring diagrams.


Larry

Welcome to the forum!

Both ends of the worm gear are supported in a bearing with a ball bearing inside it.

You may be able to lift the free end of the shaft out with the one bearing enough to then slide the shaft out of the other bearing without having to remove the coupler retaining plate.

Turn the shaft by hand in both directions and watch the mesh of the worm gear with the worm wheel on the axle. Does it mesh properly? What is the condition of the worm gear on the axle?

Larry

Larry

Welcome to the forum!

Every Lionel item has a number on it. If it is postwar, then go here to help identify it by the numbers.
http://www.tandem-associates.com/lionel/lionel_trains_master_index.htm

The best way to get an idea of your trains' worth is to visit online auction sites.
If there is a Lionel dealer nearby they may be able to help you also.


Larry

Try the 8505-206 traction tires from another supplier.
https://traindoctor.com/service/lionel/8500to8800.php


Larry

Because of the loco's motor design, all the wheels and the track have to be very clean. Use Naphtha on a rag to clean everything as best you can and use a ScotchBrite pad to shine the wheels and track. Go over everything again with the Naphtha to clean off any residue.

Bypass the track. Hold the loco in one hand right side up and connect one wire from the transformer to a roller pickup. Turn on the power and touch the other transformer wire to one of the drive wheels. The loco should run. If not, move the reverse lever on top and try again. If the loco does not run, chances are the motor is in need of servicing. Not a fun project.

The attached service manual gives you a parts view of these unique motors. The wheels on one side need to be pulled off, and there are two metal clips on either end that hold the motor case halves together. Inside the motor is a handful of never seen before parts that need to go together precisely in the right order without flying out. You need tons of patience and 4 hands to reassemble the motor and get it to work.

I have repaired a number of these locos, and I cringe just remembering the multiple times it took to take apart and reassemble the motor until it ran.

If you still feel up to it, go at it. You have been warned.


Larry

Wherever the switches join to the inner loop is where you need to isolate them with fiber pins on the center rail.

Larry

With the power off, get your eyes down to track level and push the loco by hand through the switch and observe the action of the wheels and switch points. This should let you see exactly what the problem is.

Larry

First check the gauging of the wheels on the rear truck and see if it matches the front truck.

Does the rear truck have the same swing to it as the front truck?

What is the locomotive product number?

What type track and switches are you using?


Larry