New Precision Craft Model E7 Running Poorly

[rrinker]

The squealing usually is a sign of no lubrication. I don't know of they ever changed, but originally BLI was NOT lubricating the locos from the factory, to keep it from getting all over like some manufacturers (ahem, Bachmann) who saturate things in grease before boxing them. If it's a high pitched squeal that varies with speed, it's probably the motor bearings. Open it up and check - I bet all the gears and bearings are completely dry. I use the Labelle products, the light oil for bearings, the gear lube for the gears. Doesn't take much, just a tiny drop on each one. They used to throw a small note in the box that said lubricate before running.
Also, look for any details (liek brake hangers) that might hit the rails and keep the wheels from firmly sitting on them. See if the trucks rock back and forth, they may have gotten twisted from sitting in the box, or may have been bad from the beginning. If all the wheels don;t make level contact with the rails, it won't run very well.

--Randy