A few things I have learned about the VL Big Boy

 I have to try to set the smoke back to synched again. I thought I had set it, but then last night I realized that it was still split.

 

Had a similar experience when setting up my BB and a friend's BB for synced smoke.  We found that in order to program the code successfully the Legacy Base / Remote should not have any pre-programmed data into that engine id that you are going to use for the BB.   For example, if you already have info in the Legacy Remote / Base for engine 40 when you reprogram for synced smoke it will not take.  The reason is that if the Remote / Base sees the engine as an existing Legacy engine, the AUX1 - 8 or 9 command is going to issue a smoke level adjustment, high, medium, low instead of just off / on which is needed for the sync programming step. 

 

Our solution was to delete the BB out of the Remote / Base first.  Then reprogram the engine id and select the sync smoke option.  The Remote / Base will think it is just another TMCC engine being programmed this way.  Once that is done, verify it works before you insert the memory module into the remote to load the BB Legacy info. 

I will try that, I did notice the directions say press 9, but like you said you only see icons if the module has been inserted.  I thought there was a menu under info that you could get to to show the numbers. If not I'll try your method tonight.

 

Thanks

There is.  AUX.  Not sure if this would work.  Have to try it.

""""3) Don't accidentally turn off Oydessy! I had bumped the Oydessy off while setting the exhaust synch. Suddenly the engine wouldn't run until it hit speed step 25 and then would die in the curves. After about 30 minutes of resets and checking track voltage, I found the switch off and turned it back on. It now runs at speed step 1 all the way around the track.""""""

 

My Big Boy tender went dead last night ..long story short when I removed the dome cover to get to the run/program switch I noticed the Oydessy switch was in off position. Don't know when it happened or if it has anything to do with my current problem... just a coincidence??

 

 

I've turned Oydessy on and off and not had any problems running with it in either setting.  I've also programmed the smoke sync on and off with the Cab-2 while the info was loaded in the base.  Are you running the correct version of Legacy (1.52) and did you load the locomotive with the orange module or by hand with the remote?  My understanding is you have to use the orange module to be able to use the locomotive fully and correctly.

 

As for the o-ring, I can tell you right now to not bother gluing it, as the simple act of placing and removing the cover will stretch the o-ring enough to come off of the glue.  If the o-ring doesn't stay on the cover it's because the outer diameter is too big around.  I'd call Lionel and ask for a couple.  Tolerances aren't very tight on o-rings like this so it's possible you got a dud and getting a couple of them will increase your odds in having one that fits right.  I've taken my cover on and off lots of times and the o-ring has stayed on the cover.

 

My O-ring is already missing, and I didn't find it.  That will be one piece I'll need to get a few of.

 

Well while you are taking the smoke unit apart ....

It happened before the teardown, I noticed it the first day.

My son and i already lost his o ring as well. The blow down still works fine so i don't think its that critical.

cbojanower....
in regards to steam whistle detail part.
at the front is a L brace it will sit flush to boiler when installed correctly.

Look on bottom side of detailed whistle assembly where the smoke fill hole is there is a small area around the hole so it will slip into the hole in the top of boiler whistle steam smoke hole it almost feels like it clicks when inserted correctly.
hope that helps you.

 

I thought that also, then last night while searching for a fix for a TMCC engine, I found this on page 62 in the paper version of the Legacy V1.3 manual:

"The engines in the consist must be loaded with a module to utilize this feature."

 

Although this didn't apply to my problem, I remembered it when I saw the above.

Maybe it does pay to read the manual.

 

Dave

 

As for the whistle, it comes off easy but putting it back on there correctly, well I have to use my magnifying specs to put the tiny wire mounts in the holes on the boiler, yes they are very tiny...hmm I didn't need those glasses a couple of years ago. 

 

I put a drop of smoke fluid on my o-ring before I re-attach the sand dome... well you get the idea. So far, so good.

I've learned this is an epic locomotive and no Union Pacific steam fan should be without one.

 

I didn't think it was possible to 'upscale' the VL Challenger, but Lionel did.  I thank them.

My sentiments exactly.

I lost my O ring too. I think it was the first day. 

 

Anyone know the proper size?

Be careful of how you phrase that 

HA! Very good.

Thanks  I will attempt that again, I just set it in place, no click 

 

What feature is that?

 

From the Legacy V1.3 manual, page 62:

 

Note: SUPPORT FOR LEGACY SWITCHER

 

If a switcher is in a lashup with other LEGACY engines the speed controls will be reprogrammed so the switcher runs the same speed as the LEGACY engines. This allows LEGACY switchers and road engines to run in a lashup.

 

When lashing LEGACY engines with different top speeds, the SPEEDLIMIT is automatically determined by the slowest engine in the consist. The engine speed is determined by the MAXSPEED value that resides in the engine module. The engines in the consist must be loaded with a module to utilize this feature.

 

The switcher, when configured as a road engine, will continue to operate as a road engine until either engine info is cleared or the engine is removed from the train.