New Bright Model #183 - how do I make the train go? The light works when the engine switch is in forward and reverse, but the train doesn't move (wheels do not turn). The music plays from the coal are - and I can't find any other buttons or places to put batteries (I do have the 1 page instructions)

There are 2 wires from the transformer to the power rail screws on the track. Hook up the wires and watch the direction the engine moves when you move the lever to forward. If the engine moves in reverse, either swap the wires or turn the engine around on the track.

Sounds like reverse contact is bad or not connected. If you can get to it, look to see if its connected or making contact

Are you using the transformer that came with the train set? This has forward, reverse, and neutral available?

You do not specify which Santa Fe steam engine you have, but I am going to guess it's the Santa Fe RTR O27 set...

Here's a link to the manual for it. Go to page 9, read the last paragraph on the page. It may be the answer to your problem


.http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-1900-250.pdf


Hope this helps.

Get new battery, I have 4 batteries, all will turn it on, get horn lights, sound. 2 do the exact same thing yours is doing, 1 runs about 5 min then starts into your problem, 1 is good and will run for about 20 mins.

Here are a couple of resources from New Bright:
http://www.newbright.com/public/electric-train-faq

http://www.newbright.com/images/Manuals/384%20ws%20manual.pdf

There is no On/Off switch on the train. Power goes from wall plug to transformer, then from transformer to track clip, which must be attached to the track. A control line goes from the track clip to the controller. Mine has a green light just above the red On/Off button that will come on even if the engine and tender are not on the track. The tender does all the work, and must be connected to the engine and on the track. There are four sliding contacts between the tender wheels that provide contact with the track.

Turn the power to the track off and then back on. The engine may stay still because the train is in neutral. Turn the power off and on once again. The engine should now go forward or reverse. Turning the powere on and off again will return the train to neutral. On and off again should make the train move in the opposite direction. If all of these steps work then the problem is in the "Direction" button of the transformer. But if the problem still persist, than the "E" unit in the engine needs to be serviced. More times than not it is the E unit. The direction button is a simple momentary off switch that has few moving parts.

Have you changed transformers? You can also make a Lionel run in opposite direction by using the throttle control...just go to stop and then to power and then back to no stop and right to power. That often works.

If says 187 on the box, check out this solution:
This train set is very particular and getting it to work each Christmas is a family tradition in frustration. First you must make sure that all the pieces of track are connected properly and that the track is perfectly symmetrical and flat. We double-check the battery positions every year and find one in wrong. There are + and - signs, but they're hard to see; use a flashlight. There is a black toggle switch below and behind the red stack that toggles forward (to make the train go forward) and backwards (reverse); straight out perpendicular to the train is the "stop" position. Also, you have to start at a stop/switch station. One other note: behind the red stack, there is a smaller black stack. If you turn this, you can make smoke come out of the stack. I think I remember someone suggesting a drop of cooking oil. Hope this helps!!! Hope you get it set up for Christmas!!!

there should be a switch under or in the cab section that turns off/on the reverse function.