I have a small HO oval set, probably from the late 1980s. Rarely used. Set up around the Christmas tree. Engine is an EMD GP40 Diesel. It was running this afternoon for a few minutes and then it just stopped. Checked everything. Wiring correct. Engine on the rails. Light comes on in the engine with a buzzing but the engine doesn't even try to move. What to do?
can you move the wheels by hand?
Yes. Some resistance but they roll.
What comes to mind for me is the poor solder joints on that era of loco. Check to see it a wire came off at the side of one of the trucks.
I took the engine apart this morning and found a broken gear in the motor assembly. Just bought another engine from eBay.
Thanks for the help.