As reported in an earlier post, I just picked up my set of C&NW F-7 AAs from Lionel. Putting them on the track, they stuttered along a few inches and then derailed. Repeatedly.
Usually, Lionel diesels run fine right out-of-the-box but not this set. Looking at the underside, I noted that the gears were bone dry -- not a bit of grease. Also, one of the powered trucks would not turn at all when manually spun.
I greased all the gears and oiled the wheels as indicated in the owner's manual and tried again. Some progress. The engine ran very slowly and hesitantly but stayed on the track. I applied more grease to the gears and worked the power trucks manually and finally got them turning a bit.
Tried running again and they finally started running smoother. After a couple of times around the layout, they got their legs and picked up speed, etc.
I am not used to engines coming in that stiff and with no grease on them at all. Is this the new standard from Lionel's factory?
