[73greenF100]

Forgive me if this inquiry seems uninformed but I guess it might be. I have a great steam engine that operates well with a different vintage metal tender but doesn't operate at all with the tender shown. Perhaps the trucks are incorrect? It seems that all the wheels are grounding on both sides of the tracks instead of just one side set? Anyway, comments welcome as always. Donald.

 

[LateStarter]

It appears there's no electrical pickup.
And even if there was, there's no electrical connection for the locomotive.

 

[73greenF100]

LateStarter, I think you are very correct. I can hook up the wire from the engine to it but still no cigar. I think it might have been just a dummy tender. I suppose I could try changing out the trucks. But will probably just buy a good tender.

 

[T-Man]

From your picture the wheels are insulated from the axle. All of them. Normally one truck has them on the opposite side from the other truck.

 

[kilowatt62]

Clean me

First up. For crying out loud, Clean those wheels and axles man! Even if that isnt the primary problem, its a big one on its own and will cause grief.
Scond. Get out your continuity tester and check between the trucks and where the wire from locomotive connects.
If I am seeing this right, there is no need for pickup wipers on the wheel axles to get power. Same setup as the mantua long haul tender of that model era.
These are your trouble shooting starting points.

 

[73greenF100]

Kilowatt, yes to all of the above! I used my meter and found that the trucks had been flipped 180 degrees. Corrected that. Cleaned the wheels and blew out the gunk in the axles with plastic friendly elec contact cleaner. Then connected the loco wire more securely to the tender. Have yet to remove the rust from the axle "sleeving" because I had to leave for an appointment but will do that. Tested the setup again and got solid continuity. The engine came to life and runs well. Thanks to all for the friendly suggestions. Another good runner. :smilie_daumenpos: