Opps, I did not know this model was still available. I'm very new to HO as I was given a complete 1960's Lionel Sante Fe passenger set last Christmas. I made a 4 x 8 layout with one track and got hooked and added siding with a couple of switches. Now, in less than 6 months, I have 3 tracks, 4 buildings (I made them), 2 spurs and a 2nd New Haven passenger train. I made one of the buildings, is a "Railroad Museum" and I put a display caboose next to it (Fullerton, CA station has one next to the depot) and thought a old steam locomotive display would really look cool. That's why I picked up the engine. When I noticed the tender had a speaker on the bottom, I hooked it up and "chug chug chug" that is timed with the power pack, I wanted to get the engine to run. Oh well, if I can't she will just be a display piece.

Thanks for the tips. Even at 65 I'm still learing. Great Hobby!

I just purchased this engine which has some great detail and the Chug - Chug from the tender is really cool. However, the wheels don't want to turn very well. Sooo, I opened her up. Motor works very well, along with the light & looks to be an element for smoke. Great running gear, very realistic. But here is the issue, the wheels have separated from the center shaft on all wheels. I figure to glue them back but I have no clue to the rotation timing of the drive assembly for each side. I've looked at some models on Ebay that have photos of each side. Kinda looks like one side is a little more advanced the the other. Others look like each side is exactly opposite from the other. Since I plan to use a strong glue, I figure I have one shot at getting this right.