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I have a Postwar Lionel 623 that only runs forward. It does not hesitate in backward or anything, it just doesn't go at all. Forward-neutral-neutral-neutral-forward sequence.

All wiring appears original and it is in good shape. It runs very nicely in forward.

Turning the wheels and the armature by hand doesn't reveal any binding.

What is the normal cause of this?
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Originally Posted by Frisco Chris 1522:
I have a Postwar Lionel 623 that only runs forward. It does not hesitate in backward or anything, it just doesn't go at all. Forward-neutral-neutral-neutral-forward sequence.

All wiring appears original and it is in good shape. It runs very nicely in forward.

Turning the wheels and the armature by hand doesn't reveal any binding.

What is the normal cause of this?

The "normal" cause of this is that the E unit is locked in one position. Sometimes the E-unit lever works its way to the "lock" position in the older units.  Renovo_PRR is correct, the E-unit may need servicing.

Last edited by Penn-Pacific
Originally Posted by Penn-Pacific:
Originally Posted by Frisco Chris 1522:
I have a Postwar Lionel 623 that only runs forward. It does not hesitate in backward or anything, it just doesn't go at all. Forward-neutral-neutral-neutral-forward sequence.

All wiring appears original and it is in good shape. It runs very nicely in forward.

Turning the wheels and the armature by hand doesn't reveal any binding.

What is the normal cause of this?

The "normal" cause of this is that the E unit is locked in one position. Sometimes the E-unit lever works its way to the "lock" position in the older units.  Renovo_PRR is correct, the E-unit may need servicing.

If an e-unit is locked, then the drum doesn't cycle so it stay in on mode.  So if it runs in forward it stays in forward, no neutral.  Since his goes in the sequence, just misses reverse it is powered correctly.

It easily can be an e-unit finger or drum contact worn/dirty.  Finger are thin and can be consumed by the sparking/corrosion, or bent.

 

Since it runs in forward the armature should be good.  When it hit the reverse spot does the motor hum or try to move?  If so maybe the armature jams if the bearing on the motor are too worn.  I have seen this occasionally but mostly on later MPC stuff.  G

Chris,

I like your jewelry!

My post war E-unit had a hardly noticeable slight bend of the contact finger, being away from the drum.  How it got that way, could have been when I cleaned the motor and E-unit and me NOT being CAREFUL!

Be very careful, as these contact fingers are very delicate.  I broke one off and had to buy a replacement!!!!

Ralph 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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