Have 1997 New bright holiday express, light on front, sounds, mute and music all working, can't figure out how to make it go forward and reverse, have everything except instructions. Help, battery operated

SOURCE: instructions

Not sure what instructions you need, but the setup is very simple.
1. Put your track together
2. Attach the track power connector by slipping it under the track and pushing, then lift up the other side. This will make the two metal contacts connect to the track.
3. Plug the connector from the power pack into the track module (It should only go one way)
4. Plug the control box (looks like a telephone cord) into the track module, Will only go one way
5. Place the locomotive on the track.
6. Place the Treetop Tender on the track (you need both to make it run)
7. Connect the large connector from the treetop tender to the loco
8. Turn on the command module and press forward ...

You should now be running in circles ...

Hope this helps...

SOURCE: New Bright Holiday Express Animated Train - figures do not move

Make sure you the wheels on the cars are actually rolling and not sliding (being drug down the track) Most of the animation is down mechanically as the set moves.

SOURCE: Holiday Express Train Set

We struggled with this just today...finally figured out that you have to twist the small piece right behind the bell on the top of the locomotive.

Testimonial: "Thank you! Now... how do you keep it on the track? :O)"

SOURCE: New Bright Model #183 - how do I make the train

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!!!

SOURCE: ariens ezr 1742 will not move

There is one common problen that causes this. Infront of the rear wheels there are two housings for the indepentent hydrostatic transmissions. There is one gold colored shaft with a ninety degree angle on it sticking out from EACH of the housings on the top front. Again these are on both sides and they each need to be pushed downward so that the rods can then be pushed backward into the transmissions to inguage them so both of the wheels are powered. Give this a try.