trailrider
Well-Known Member
Wait, you have two locomotives that won't go into reverse, or just the Mantua? If it is both, then I submit the problem is with the power pack. If it is only the Mantua, then I would suggest taking the engine apart (two screws under the cab and one long one inside the smokestack. After removing the boiler, remove the motor and see if the engine can be pushed backward by hand. NOTE: If the motor gear connects directly with the main bull gear on the drive axle just remove the motor. If there is a gearbox, you will have to remove the gearbox to see if it rolls freely. If it does not roll in reverse, check for binding in the valve gear. If it rolls in reverse by hand, then check the motor for free rotation of the motor with the terminals of a 9volt battery held against the brush springs on top of the motor (or use wires from the + and - terminals, then reverse. Check for anything binding in the rotor in either direction. Let us know what you see.
