I am assuming that the throttle is off when you put the train on the track. If off, then you are correct that there is an internal short in the engine. You might try disassembling the unit and looking for a pinched wire specifically from a roller(s) (center rail pickup). You might also check for a short between a pickup roller and a wheel with a VOM. Make sure the wheel is not the one with the neoprene belt.
SOURCE: My new Lionel CW-80 trans former stopped working
I have had the same problem with my polar express, which i just bought recently. Having to send it to the USA from the UK would be very expensive so i decided to open it up myself. The tamper proof screws were a bit of a problem getting into it. I ground down an old screw driver into the triangle shape to undo them. I then replaced them with self taping srews the same size.
The Problem I found was simple, there is an internal (250V, 8Amp) fuse soldered onto the red wire on the secondary winding of the transformer. The red wire going from the transformer to the PCB, the fuse has black heatshrink over it.
There is no room inside the housing of the controller to fit a fuse holder. I fitted a box on the side of it with a panel mount fuse holder. drilled a hole through the housing, fitted longer red wires, so they could go through to the terminations on the back of the fuse holder.
At least now I can change it simply if it blows again.
hope this is of help to you.
SOURCE: Lionel Polar Express Berkshire Locomotive will only go in reverse
No doubt the transistor in the motor controller inside the engine is shorted TIP31C Q6 If you have the skills you can repair the unit. Parts are cheap, like 50 cents. Expense is shipping. Have repaired at least one that had the probblem you describe
good luck
SOURCE: New Lionel Polar Express train set-up issue. The
My son just got this train and we are having the same problem. Taking the last car off solved the problem for us. I think it has something to do with accessories and the transformer voltage output (See page 14 and 15 of the instructions).
I have still not determined why it won't run with the final car but am assuming it has something to do with the lights on the cars pulling too many amps and not enough left to run the train. I will let you know if I find a solution. If anyone else knows how to solve the issue, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
SOURCE: lionel polar express train is stopping on the track, then becomes disabled
Replace all the batteries, then keep the remote close to the
train. if it's too far away, it will shut down.
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