[turkey]

Hi, I bought one of those complete Santa Fe setupos last year and we couldn't under any circumstances get the engine to work. The wheels wouldn't move. Here it is another Christmas and we're in the same movie.
Is it easily fixable or do we need a new engine and what the hedck do the 0-6-0, 0-4-0, etc mean? Are they all the same gauge or different sizes?
HELP!!!
Thanks
Emil

 

[shaygetz]

Welcome.

0-6-0 and 0-4-0 come from the Whyte classification system for steam locomotives. The first number notes the number of wheels on the pilot or lead truck. The second set notes the number of drivers. The final set notes the number of trailing truck wheels. Don't worry, it gets even more fun with diesels and electrics.

It sounds like you have an inexpensive train set engine not known for its quality, the bane of many newcomers. Your best bet would be to pick up an Athearn Blue Box locomotive, which are especially good runners and very affordable. Ebay can yield good ones for less than $20 including shipping.

Again, welcome.

 

[turkey]

Another question

Thanks for the reply. I took your advice and bought an engine off ebay It es NIB, so everythin should be ok, but it doesn't run. The wheels seem to be locked somehow. It makes noise and lights up but doesn't go! Any advice???
Thanks
turkey

 

[Boston&Maine]

Sounds like it could be a voltage problem? IDK, I am just throwing an idea out there... Does it make a "humming" noise when you try to get it to move?

 

[turkey]

Yes. and the lights go on, but it doesn't move. and when i take it off the tracks, I can't turn the wheels.

 

[Boston&Maine]

Yes. and the lights go on, but it doesn't move. and when i take it off the tracks, I can't turn the wheels.

That does not sound good

I am not familiar with HO gauge, but try lubricating the mechanical parts...

 

[shaygetz]

Thanks for the reply. I took your advice and bought an engine off ebay It es NIB, so everythin should be ok, but it doesn't run. The wheels seem to be locked somehow. It makes noise and lights up but doesn't go! Any advice???
Thanks
turkey

That could be any number of things from gummed up contacts to a cracked or broken spur gear to a hair tangled around the drive. I couldn't tell you unless I had it in front of me so those would be good places to start..