FM Trainmaster Operation

Tom, you actually have a Lionel 8157 Santa Fe FM Train Master. (two words, both capitalized.) This is the proper model name for that locomotive, as established by Fairbanks Morse when they built the Train Masters back in the 50s.

A "Trainmaster" is a middle-management company officer at a railroad.

Here endeth the lesson... 

Rich,  I knew this would get you out of retirement. LOL 

Don

Don, it's just "Continuing Education" process here at OGR. 

Rich. if you ask any of the crews Trainmaster as in middle manager can also be spelled (weed weasel)

LOL! Good one!

Also check to see if brushes need to be replaced.

I have the SP made about the same time, and had the same problem.

Turned out the bridge were getting worn pretty low.

Once replaced, it runs fine both directions.

Love those Train Masters (and Trainmasters for those of us who find habits hard to break).

Rich, I thought you would be out on the road in your retirement. I can see you now. RV parked at 4 corners, sun setting in the West. You and Mrs. Melvin sitting next to a camp fire. Your dog at your feet as you smoke a pipe. So relaxed. Then in the distance your hear the sound of the UP Challenger.  You jump in the beautiful RV and the chase is on. You can't get trains out of your blood... Well at least Mrs. Melvin has the dog. Don

Dumb question but you're sure the brushes are making contact with the commutator correct? Second dumb question but all wires are connected and connected properly correct?

It probably has to be one of those 2 things causing the issue.