Hello,
This is my first post on a great website! I have a question about pendulum reverse mechanisms and their operation.
My father in-law asked me to try and get his train running for him. This set was bought for him at the age of 6 months old, he is currently 78!
The engine is a 260E with the pendulum reverse unit. I have gotten everything running with a good cleaning and new brushes. However, the E unit does not seem to work correctly. When power is applied it will rattle start to take off and stop. When power is reapplied it often starts in reverse.
I have been told this style of E unit was the worst design Lionel produced. I understand it has contacts and I intend on dismantling and cleaning the assembly. My problem is the wires coming out of the coil associated with the unit. I have researched the wiring on Olsen’s site but they do not seem to have much information on the pendulum style. I know one of the wires goes to the top of the field current mechanism connected through a type of lever with a set of contact points. The other coil wire is the one I am lost on.
Could someone with experience on these units give me some advise and theory of operation?
Thank you, very much
Jeff