Train only moves in reverse

Hi Corey-

It sounds like you locked the out the reverse unit; sliding the switch back to the "on" position and resetting the power should unlock the reverse unit and permit normal operation.

-John

@AcelaNYP posted:

Hi Corey-

It sounds like you locked the out the reverse unit; sliding the switch back to the "on" position and resetting the power should unlock the reverse unit and permit normal operation.

-John

I put the switch back to on. Is there a certain way to reset the power?

Just turn the track power off to cycle the reverse unit.

Most are 3 positions for motor stop-forward-reverse.

The switch "locks" the reverse unit in what mode it is currently in.

@totrainyard posted:

Just turn the track power off to cycle the reverse unit.

Most are 3 positions for motor stop-forward-reverse.

The switch "locks" the reverse unit in what mode it is currently in.

I’ve turned the throttle on the controller down to off an waited but when I turn it back up the train just automatically moves in reverse. It used to just power up when I raised the throttle. I would have to turn the throttle to off and then raise it back up for it to move. I’m really confused by this.

you got the E unit not energizing you should hear a click every time you cycle power otherwise it will never reverse it will only stay in the  last know state !

bring up the power slowly around 10 volts or less try and hold the engine and move the e unit lever back and forth it should change state or your e unit must have failed they can be repaired or replaced !

Lionel Post War Parts 3 Position Reversing E Unit for 200 Series Alcos 100-11 | eBay

this might not be the exact one you need but showing you to get an idea what you might have !

Alan

@Alan Mancus posted:

you got the E unit not energizing you should hear a click every time you cycle power otherwise it will never reverse it will only stay in the  last know state !

bring up the power slowly around 10 volts or less try and hold the engine and move the e unit lever back and forth it should change state or your e unit must have failed they can be repaired or replaced !

Lionel Post War Parts 3 Position Reversing E Unit for 200 Series Alcos 100-11 | eBay

this might not be the exact one you need but showing you to get an idea what you might have !

Alan

Just to make sure I understand. Are you saying to raise the throttle and hold the train in place. Then while I’m holding it, move the switch under it back and forth?  I’m new to this, so I want to make sure I understand. I don’t mind it being explained to me like I’m a 5 year old 🤣🤣 I just want to understand. Thank you in advance

Corey-

From what I remember the only way to unlock the reverse unit is to start the engine moving, and while power is still on move the reverse unit switch from the off back to the on position. It is a little cumbersome to do given the location of the switch and the fact you have to hold the locomotive in place while the wheels are turning. Once the switch is moved the reverse unit will cycle once the power to the track is interrupted (by turning the throttle off or pressing the direction button on the transformer).

There is also a note in the manual that explains if the locomotive is left turned off (no power to the tracks) for more than an hour, the reverse unit might cycle into neutral or a different direction; if so then you would just have to move the switch to "on".

Let me know if I can be of more help!

-John

@AcelaNYP posted:

Corey-

From what I remember the only way to unlock the reverse unit is to start the engine moving, and while power is still on move the reverse unit switch from the off back to the on position. It is a little cumbersome to do given the location of the switch and the fact you have to hold the locomotive in place while the wheels are turning. Once the switch is moved the reverse unit will cycle once the power to the track is interrupted (by turning the throttle off or pressing the direction button on the transformer).

There is also a note in the manual that explains if the locomotive is left turned off (no power to the tracks) for more than an hour, the reverse unit might cycle into neutral or a different direction; if so then you would just have to move the switch to "on".

Let me know if I can be of more help!

-John

For some reason my first reply didn’t post. I tried what you said and it worked! Thank you so much!

@Alan Mancus posted:

you got the E unit not energizing you should hear a click every time you cycle power otherwise it will never reverse it will only stay in the  last know state !

bring up the power slowly around 10 volts or less try and hold the engine and move the e unit lever back and forth it should change state or your e unit must have failed they can be repaired or replaced !

Lionel Post War Parts 3 Position Reversing E Unit for 200 Series Alcos 100-11 | eBay

this might not be the exact one you need but showing you to get an idea what you might have !

Alan

Thanks, your solution worked!