My engine will only run in reverse. What could be the problem?
Original Post
It's possible that the reverse unit (inside the boiler on a 350) is not cycling. This could be because the reverse unit is "locked" in reverse. The blade switch on top of the boiler controls how the reverse unit works. To operate in the normal "forward-neutral-reverse-neutral" sequence it should be slid to its rightmost position. If it is moved to the left position the locomotive will be locked in one direction. Check to see that the switch is not in the left position.
If the switch is in the right position and the locomotive still will not change direction, the reverse unit itself is not functioning. The most common problem is simply that it is sticking and can be freed up with a shot of good old TV tuner spray. If that doesn't help, perhaps the drum or fingers should be examined.
You can find a decent video by Tom Barker that shows how to correct common reverse unit problems at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaT4osktxOg
Note that the unit in the video has the lockout switch on the bottom instead of on top like the Royal Blue, but the operation is otherwise the same.
Hope this helps. Let us know when you are able to get the Royal Blue running again.
[NOTE: I'm guessing from your post that the engine is just not cycling to forward direction. If for some reason it "trys" to change direction but is mechanically binding, further examination will be necessary.]
