Did you try using Ucwepn, Rap method on the motors to get it working? Sometimes these new old stock trains just need a jolt from sitting so long and those that can'r make it up hills and some that are noisy could come from a cracked gear...yes, even new in the box older trains gears will crack over the years. Also, Olivers have that noisy flat drive motors. With all the used ones that have passed through my hands I have had only a couple that were quiet and when I say that I mean they they will still have noise. The others I have worked on the get them to a respectable noise level before selling. Its too bad, I know how excited its must have been opening them and how disappointed you must have been when finding trouble.
