I just got this engine (with matching caboose and spooky sounds boxcar) to go with my wife’s Halloween display. I’ve noticed that the engine tends to run slower and slower the longer it’s run. It probably has only about 4 hours of running time on it, so this seems to be very strange behavior. Is this a problem that I should take back to my train shop where I bought it?
I have the same problem with mine, it would slow down, and I would have to turn up the power. Then the other night it just continued to slow down and finally stopped completely. The motor was VERY hot at this point. Was only pulling four cars! Now when I apply power to it, it just sits there, the light is on and the smoke unit works, but does nothing when the e-unit is cycled. So, I guess it’s back to Lionel for repairs. I have several other Generals, mostly with can motors, one with the Pulmor, and no such problems with them.
Have you guys run the engine alone? Does it do the same thing?
Have you oiled and lubed?
I haven’t run the engine alone: it’s pulling the spooky sounds boxcar, another boxcar, a hopper and the Transylvania caboose. I don’t consider that much of a load.
And I haven’t oiled and lubed it: with such little running time, I didn’t think it required it yet. The four hours I’ve mentioned above is very generous - it’s probably more around two hours.
Did you guys wear your Garlic necklaces?[:P]
Sound like a lack of lubrication in the axle bushings, or some defective bushings (wrong material etc.,etc.)
If you let the engine cool off overnight will it start to run again?
Most locomotives are lubricated at the factory. I would lube it sparingly as perviously suggested, but it sounds like it could be a factory defect to me. If the loco does’nt operate normally after a short while I’d call Lionel service.
Well, the train store where I bought it told me to bring it in as soon as possible so that they can take a look at it. We’ll see what happens.