I have a set of Lionel No. 2379 Denver & Rio Grande Western F3s from 1957 that do not run. I have taken both motors apart, cleaned the grease out of the gearboxes, and put in new grease. I have taken off the brush covers and cleaned the armature faces and the brush wells. I have oiled everything and still can’t get the engines to move. Any suggestions? — Marc Vannette, Byron Center Mich.
Here are some points that come to mind after reading what has happened with your F3s. See which of my suggestions may be relevant and try it.
First, after you removed the motors, did you check each one individually? It seems unlikely, although not impossible, that both of them would completely fail. Second, check to see whether the headlight works and the E-unit solenoid engages. If they fail to activate, there may be an issue with the electrical pickup.
If those two features do activate and both motors still fail to operate, I suggest turning your attention to the E-unit. Because that reverse unit is the common link between the motors, it’s the next likely source of your problem. A final point of advice regarding the E-unit: even if one of the three replaceable parts failed (two contact sets and the drum) I always opt to replace them all.
Get more information in our Restoration & repair section.
Joe Mania owns JLM Trains.
