I have a holiday train No. 181 which did not come with instructions. I can not locate where the batteries go can you send me instructions?

I have a vague recollection that there are two sets of batteries. One in the Train and one in the Caboose.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sugar+town+express+holiday+train+set+instructions

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Might try contacting manufacturer for this vintage item, or contact sellers on eBay to ask to purchase copy of instructions.

http://www.newbright.com/support/battery-powered-train-faq/

Example on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-Complete-Mint-Condition-Service-Express-Railway-Radio-Control-G-Train-Set/372854424459?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3Dfd6b8137f24247c0ac8811d494b2c37d%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D274112638776%26itm%3D372854424459%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2386202&_trksid=p2386202.c100677.m4598

Have you let the loco charge first? The instructions are a bit vague but the loco needs to charge before it runs. Not easily understood from the instructions and many have spent some frustrating minutes wondering why their train wouldn't move.

I rewired my train this weekend..it now works on my outdoor setup....I found that the circuit board inside the engine had a blown capacitor and the power transitor was fried. I by passed the engine board found that it only would run backwards....went into the tender and taped into the power from tack bypassing the rectifer... By the way the engine does not start up when one uses the remote...there is a 20 second delay before starting

If all cars are not properly on the track, the engine does not have enough power to pull the cars. Try with engine and coal car only to zero in on cause.

I had a similar problem with my 11000 Holiday Tradition Express. I cleaned the track with an eraser (pencil-type) and then used a soft cloth to clean any possible residue. After doing this twice, my train is now running.

New Bright offers ONLY a 60 day replacement warranty after which there are no parts or service avaialble for this train set.

I would contact New Bright about a replacement or take it back to the store where you bought and select something other than New Bright products.

http://www.newbright.com/

I would like to know that as well

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!!!