Polar Express Slowdown - Help

Periodic breaks.  The older versions used the older 103 e-unit which may just under perform with that much continuous uses.  I also think the early version had a smaller undersized motor.  If this is a later version it does have a more robust e-unit, but 1.5hrs with extra cars may be an issue until it cools off.  IS this using a 80W CW or a smaller 40W.  They may also be an issue.  G

Has he greased the gearbox? This may not totally eliminate the problem but I opened the gearbox on my PE for around the tree and it had minimal grease at all.

I removed the gearbox cover plate ( its easy, 6 philips screws if I recall) exposing the gears and shot some Red n Tacky in there. Good idea to oil the axle bushings while the cover is off as well.

I advised the owner to lubricate the engine in accordance with Lionel's instructions, but I suspect that GGG has a good point as to why the engine slows down. Thanks all for responding.

I agree with GGG as well, however, Lionel does not mention greasing the gearbox. I would still advise that your friend do it anyway, he will likely find there is inadequeate grease as I mentioned.

It can certainly only benefit the loco, and theres nothing to removing the cover on the underside of the chassis.

There have been posts about the teeth being worn off of the gearset due to this lack of grease.

As a rule, I grease EVERY locomotive I purchase. Its the only way to know for sure it has the proper amount. In most cases it is lacking.

Here is the straight dope on this set. If we are talking about the 10th Anniversary PE set. The Berkshire locomotive that comes in that set is a very nice locomotive, but it is not its full scaled cousin. That being said, it will run and run and run, but even the best electronic items can have moments of slowing down. I suspect this has to do with the internal electrics more so then the track. Though my PE ran nice, she also had periods of running somewhat slow.

I believe this is normal. However, if she bucks or has periods whereby she actually stops, then that is not normal and needs to be addressed. The simple solution is to contact the retailer where the set was purchased and advise them of the issue(s). See if you can exchange for another. Most reputable businesses will do so because they want repeated business. If that does not work, then contact Lionel under the warranty. They may exchange/repair the issue. The track can get dirty while on the floor from smoke settling and dust. This can cause slow downs as well.

These mid range sets are nice, but they are not, as I stated, like their larger up scaled cousins. Also, as far as those extra cars, the cars are lighted as everyone obviously knows. That means they are also requiring power. Which translates to less power for the whole affair when adding them to the original three that come in the set. One idea is to add a more powerful transformer and wire the whole track to keep voltage constant and consistent throughout the whole track/oval. That way she should run smoothly even with the addition of a few extra cars.

Best of luck.

Pete

Troubleshooting this issue really can not be done without knowing which version of the PE is having the problem.

I suspect the engine is one of the older conventional engines. So all the normal trouble shooting procedures are in play. Lubricate the engine, clean track and wheeels. Fastrack on plush carpeting, can have continuity issues; check connections.

Running a LionChief PE engine in Conventional mode is not recommended. These are not LionChief Plus engines, which have the conventional operation option.

The Polar Express Set in question is the basic toy set that I would call 027.

The motors in those starter sets are pretty failure prone, that's a place too look.

If it only does it after 1.5 hrs of running and than works fine after a cool off period, you can reread my post.  It is just being over worked.  I think that was the initial symptom Bob gave.