I have a Lionel 221 Steamer that works fine when connected directly to a power source, but exhibits erratic behavior when actually run on track. On the track it tends to run backwards and forwards for a brief time before coming to a stop. Also, out of the shell the e-unit cycles correctly and the motor turns properly when the motor unit is held so that either the rear wheels and rear collector shoe are touching the track. (The 221 does not have pickup rollers, it has 2 collector shoes.) The same is true when the same is done with the front wheels and front collector shoe. So the issue appears to be neither the e-unit nor the motor. It is not the track nor the transformer; the motor unit behaves in the same way on different track loops and with different transformers and other engines are not affected. Anyone out there know what is wrong with this engine?
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