Need Help

[ChrisP]

I just received the Bachmann Jingle Bell Express and tried to set it up. Everything went fine except the train will not move. All the lights come on but that's it. I have tried for 3 days to reach service but haven't got any return call. If anybody can offer a suggestion I would sure appreciate it.
I really wanted to surprise my husband when he got home from overseas
Thanks in advance for your help

[Mike]

Chris- Were you calling on the 800 number? If you call on the 215 line and ask for customer service, you'll get primo service!

[Dr EMD]

Do the light come on bright when you plug it in?

[ChrisP]

DR EMD
Yes they do come on bright however the wheels don't move

[taz-of-boyds]

Do the lights get brighter and dimmer as you change the throttle setting?

Charles

[ChrisP]

Yes  as I turn the power up and down the light gets brighter and dimmer.

[THB-DAVE]

Hi Chris: check to see if the side rods are bent this will cause binding. If they are just bend them out.

[taz-of-boyds]

Another question:  Does the locomotive give any indication that the motor is trying to do anything?  For instance when you reverse the direction on the controller, is there any sound or movement?

If there is no indication that the motor is doing anything, it may be that the electrical contacts to the motor are not working.  If you can hear something like the motor whirring away but no movement there may be something wrong with the gearing etc.  If there is slight movement then something is jammed.

If it does seem jammed and the siderods look OK there could be other internal problems.

One caution for this:  Do not leave the locomotive sitting there with the power applied.  If the motor is jammed somehow with power applied it can over heat and cause more damage to the locomotive.

You may need to contact Bachmann for sure if you don't have a local hobby shop that can help.

All the best for you and your husband,
Charles

[AlanM]

One simple thing you can do is to check the underside of the engine to make sure there is no packing material fastened or lodged there. 

[ChrisP]

Hello everyone
I wanted to thank you for your help. I got in touch with service and they are sending a new engine. Thanks again and happy Holidays

[taz-of-boyds]

Chris,

Thanks, and thanks for checking back and letting us know how things are turning out.  Model trains are great fun, and no sense letting some rough spots get in the way.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Charles