440 noise

[Mr.Train]

I have a 440 bachmann that has been around for a few years.Starting Last week it started makig this horrid grinding/chewing kind of noise.  So I then took the drive shaft out (from between the tnder and cab) and turned it back on it didn't make they noise. Then i put the shaft back in and it made the stupid noise again! So I'm guessing the problem in in the loco not on the tender end. Any ideas on this would be helpful.

[Mr.Train]

Oh and for what it is worth it is HO.And standard DC powered. 

[Hunt]

If the locomotive has not been stored in an unfriendly environment; then a proper cleaning and lubrication may be all that is needed.

If the noise is because the gears are no longer correctly functioning, contact Bachmann Service Dept by phone for your options. Be prepared to leave a message and wait to be contacted by Bachmann as this is a busy time of the year for the Service Dept.