MTH 30-4220-1E - Attempting to Reset - Will Not Move

OK, so sadly you are possibly caught in catch22.

MTH PS3 engines and honestly, all MTH engines (PS1, PS2, and PS3) should operate in conventional (normal transformer varying voltage on the track). The problem is, some PS3 engines had firmware, that when added to a DCS command control system previously- this action disables (it's not supposed to do this) conventional operation mode.

Then the other part of catch22 here, you have a CW80 transformer which is known to be slightly problematic at creating short timed bell and horn/whistle sequences as seen by an MTH engine to reset it or perform other conventional operation commands.

So yes, you need to either get yourself a MTH Z1000 set with Zcontroller, or get someone to reset that engine for best compatible operation in the future. I say Zcontroller and Z1000 because unlike the CW80, a microprocessor is not used to create the DC offsets for bell and whistle signal, instead they are instantaneous the instant you press a button or release it for bell and whistle/horn.

Thanks for the reply Vernon. What you are saying makes sense and goes along with what I have read about other peoples experiences in the forums. To my knowledge though, I think I was able to do the reset with the CW80. By manipulating the track voltage, I was able to get the horn and bell sequence needed and received the two horn blasts from the engine at the end confirming It worked.

However, other people with this firmware issue seemed to only be able to get their trains working when added back to a DCS system, then reset/removed from DCS and finally back on conventional.

It seems that I ultimately need someone local with a DCS system. I just wish more shops were around that had it.

Did you check with John Urban at King's Hobby ? Also, there may be a member of the Texas Tinplate Trackers or Central Texas Model raiload clubs that may be able to provide you with a lead to a member or someone nearby with a DCS system.

I did check with John. He actually fixed a couple of trains I have from the 60's. Unfortunately, he does not have DCS. I will look up both of those organizations to see if there is any contact info to reach out. Thanks!