I still want a set of F3 Union Pacific diesels. Lionel and MTH have not made them in man years now.
Ron

Personally, I do not understand why guys keep asking for command controlled Williams? Williams is reasonably affordable because there IS NO command controls. If you want that buy Lionel or MTH.
Ron

I would look inside first and make sure the boards are all plugged in ok. There is a silver reostat that can be adjusted for sound level and maybe that needs a slight budge.
Ron

It does not appear that Bachman is stocking up parts for their new engines either. I think they simply strip new engines for parts. Charles Phillips bought all the Williams parts when Bachman took over. He has a lot of parts and generally has what you need.
Ron

I too think there may be a board problem or loose wire. For most Williams engines, there is a wire running up both sides of the motor and over into the motor as it passes under the flywheel. Because the flywheel is sometimes pushed down too far it can rub through one, or both of the wires and short out the motor causing the symptoms you describe. Be sure to look there. Williams engine generally run excellent without problems right out of the box. But keep in mind that they are built in the same factories in China and others are having problems with their models too because there is NO quality control there. Lionel has has many problems lately.
Ron

And what about the Southern A-A  F3 units?
Ron

I read the new catalog and I do not see some of the golden memories engines in there. Like the green/white Southern F3 A-A units, or the Sea Board switchers. Has Bachman dropped some of them?
Ron

His name is Charlie Phillips. Great guy. I have bought many parts from him.
Ron

There is a better way to go when replacing the smoke units. Modern Toy Train Parts sells a kit that has a Lionel smoke unit specially modified for use with Williams engines. It costs $35.00 and comes with a switch to turn it off if you like. It is fan driven and smokes without chuffs. I just installed it in my Williams 671 turbine. You replace the head lamp with a LED. You can reach Bill at 567-424-6604

Ron

Sorry it took me so long to reply.
Give Frank Timco a call at 937-429-1461

He does custom motor replacements and adapt can motors to many engines.

Ron

Please give me the Union Pacific F3. Painted Like Lionel and MTH does them.

Ron

I own one Western Pacific F7. Not only is the nose too flat and wrong, but all of the windows are too big and just plain look wrong. Ask most dealers and they will tell you that they have to blow them out to sell them. I agree, its time to ditch the Kusan molds.

Ron

There is also a simple, yet reversable option. Call Frank Timco. He does can motor replacements for Lionel trains and Williams, etc. He has a cool can motor repalcement kit for old lionel horizontal motor engines that is amazing.

Ron

Got my A-B-A NS set one year  to the day after pre-ordering them. Long wait, but worth it.  I hope Bachman does the cars too because MTH stiffed me and now I have none.
Ron

There is an advertiser on Ebay right now claiming to have NS F3's that "just arrrived" for sale. If true, they are here.
Ron