Okay, Tyler got the Silver Bells set from Santa as that is what he really wanted. We broke it out of its box and ran it on the extensive layout we have under the tree. Now, obviously, we’re not using the wall mounted power pack that comes with the set. Instead, we have it set up on one of the loops which has a CW-80 supplying the power. When the locomotive runs, the steam engine just kinds of jerks along very slowly, never getting any faster than that. Even when it’s on the track by itself it does the same thing. It’s almost like it’s fighting itself to move. I’ve already contacted the Train Station in Mountain Lakes, and they’ve told me to bring it in so they can take a look at it. One thing I want to make sure of, though, is that using it with a CW-80 shouldn’t affect how it runs, right? I don’t see how it should, but want to get that answered before I take it in. Tyler’s kind of bummed, although he really likes the set, especially getting the music to play while the train’s running.
From my previous encounter with a jerking engine, something is binding. I had a smoke plunger that was installed wrong in a Docksider making it jerk and sway down the track. Once fixed the engine ran great.
We bought the Polar Express LionChief set for review. The problem may be in the assembly of the running gear. We encountered a lurching problem (though it would lurch pretty fast) and had to take it back to the dealer for repair. The review will be in our March issue which, I believe may be at the printer!
Welp, guess I’ll be taking into the LHS a little later today. Still don’t know whether the transformer makes a difference.
Every once in a while there’s one that slips through the cracks. Sadly, it looks like it happened to you. I’m sure your LHS will put it right in no time.
Is the transformer put in the highest “notch”?
Yep, Dave at the Train Station in Mountain Lakes resolved the issue. The bolts/screws holding the drive rods in were put in too tight, causing them to bind as the wheels turned. So all is good in the world: Tyler and Corey are running their respective gifts from Santa right now.
Great! I’ll tell you, the Train Station is a pretty righteous outfit. My brother-in-law got all the “Thomas the Tank Engine” hardware for his nieces and nephews there, and he’s hard to please. They must have done something right for him to go back again and again.
I’ve been there myself a few times when I’m back in New Jersey. It’s a fun place!