You may want to check your Lionel lionchief Polar Express motor.

Thanks for the post. Good advice

Was this on the model with the newer, large motor, or the older, small motor version?  

Edit:  Thanks for the replies.  I should probably learn to read, as I missed the part about it being a LionChief.  

JGL

JohnGaltLine posted:

Was this on the model with the newer, large motor, or the older, small motor version?  

I understand all the LC units have the larger motor.

I would say it is the larger motor. I went to a local shop which had a motor for a Berkshire Jr. but that motor was about half the size of the one I have to replace.

This is the motor

This is what happens to the gear

That says a lot about quality. Wonder how much money they saved using one screw ??

The engine was made for both screws as the recessed pockets are in the frame for them. It might just be they got overlooked on the assembly line. Maybe it was Friday quitting time or going to lunch thing.

Jim

You funny. I had a good laugh on that one.

Even though I do think the China fellow might have did a boo boo.

Larry

Looks like this may end up being a common problem.  I've been running my LionChief PE for its third season.  The kids and I were playing on the lay out when the Loco started seizing up.  It was making a horrid sound as it desperately needed grease.  Upon taking apart I discovered one of the screws for the motor stuck to the screw mechanism.  Luckily, no damage was done.  I cleaned up the threads, added a little locktite and re-installed.  Good as new!  Adding this as an inspection point when greasing from now on.

Interesting that the PE and Berkshire Jr. have different motors.  I had thought they were the same engine.

Originally they were the same... but then Lionel manufactured so many add-on cars, they had to beef up the motors.

Jon  

This is a very common issue. I have observed this condition on many entry level steam locos like the Pennsy Flyer and others. Sometimes the worm shaft gets destroyed. Sometimes it's the worm wheel on the axle. 

I can verify Nelson's post. I have had to replace 2 motors in Polar Express LionChief  engines because of only 1 screw.

I don't think Lionel is trying to save money by only using 1 screw, I think it's just the typical quality control we are forced to live with.

Thanks to the OP for posting this.  I have a few engines that may fall into this even though they are not LionChief.

One question, can older PE units accept the new motor?  I am thinking if Lionel thought to use a more expensive part in the newer ones, I should upgrade while parts are available if I can...  I also have a PRR Horseshoe curve set with the Berkshire.

Tony

You can, but it will require re-drilling the motor mount screw holes in the frame, and enlarging the motor mount hole.

Are those bronze axle wipes on the upside down truck ??  I hate those things.

Yes, and they wear out very quickly and as of now Lionel is out of replacements.

I cannot believe this. This is totally unacceptable. I almost bought one of these sets too. This is such an iconic set for lionel, it is hard to belive it is not getting more attention from them.

Joe Gozzo

That is sad quality.  Don't feel bad, I just received my two Chinese digital panel meters which were supposed to be 200volts AC.  They are clearly marked on the box and on the meter label 200volts DC.  Both meters.  At least they are consistent.   Just took me 10 weeks to get them.

I don't know what competition is like in China but Lionel definitely needs to fire their contractor. It may be too late to save the Lionel name. I simply cannot buy these lower end sets.

Rod Miller