I have taken off the brush plate before and I can turn the armature and the wheels will turn the wiring is ok as far I know. I'm running out of patience is there a place I can send this unit in to get work on.
Where are you located? Is there a train store that does repairs in your area? If not, you could send it to me and I will do the repair for you. You will need to bring (or send) both the locomotive and tender.
Larry
I'm in Richwood , Ohio 43344 there is a store in London about 35 miles away that is closet to me I don't know if they do repairs. I can send it to you if you don't mind.
E-mail me at LocomotiveLarry(at)gmail(dot)com
We can then converse on shipping details.
Larry
Larry I have been trying to get a hold of you is problem please contact me.