I have run this engine in command for several years, and now it only runs in conventional. Antenna is connected, I have ere-entered the engine # and just won't run in Command. Could the R2LC be bad? Any thoughts???
Marty
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
That's the easiest component to swap out and see if it helps. Have you verified the antenna is NOT grounded to the boiler shell?
I will double check the antenna....I can disconnect the old one and plug in a new one to see if there is any difference...
Marty
Easy test to put a probe on handrail and chassis or out rail while engine is on track. If 0 ohms or close the antenna is grounded. If antenna is not shorted, maybe it is not connected or the wire joint to the handrail is open. Check for continuity from connector to handrail.
If antenna all good, swap the R2LC. G
I disconnected the original antenna and hooked up a temperary one and same results. I am in the process of getting another R4LC, cause I think mine is no good...
Marty
You can swap one out of another locomotive for a test, I'd do that before buying a new one in case it's something else.
If this is a Legacy flyer you will need a Legacy R4LC, believe they are S05 code. G
If it really has the ERR AC Commander, I would suspect it's TMCC. It would be nice to know the actual model to know what we're dealing with.
I believe the 290 is postwar.
Bill
I thought so Bill, that's why I wondered about Legacy. 
I believe the American Flyer #290 Pacific was made somewhere around 1949-1951. It had a die-cast boiler with a tin tender body. This engine was always a good runner.
Here is where I am at with this. I took out the AC Commander and installed a Lionel LCRU. The Commander uses a R4LC and don't have a spare. Engine runs now and I have a few more gray hairs...
Marty
Sorry for the mis-direct Martin. Should have picked up on AC commander. So a converted PW. I do know Lionel is making a lot of AF with Legacy.
The R4LC in TMCC application is the same as a R2LC. TMCC Code, so if you have an R2LC with Code 08 or above you can swap that into your AC Commander to see if that fixes it.
Based on the LCRU working, I imagine the R4LC installed has sensitivity issues. G
I'd really try to get the AC Commander working, the low speed control is much better than the LCRU.
Marty,
I am a AF guy that has been doing TMCC conversions on my own engines for a while. Can you tell me if the Motor driver board "AC Commander" is in the tender and if the tender is the original sheet metal or do you have a tender with the plastic shell? Also if you are using the tin tender where is the antenna mounted?
Ray
I used some piano wire wrapped in shrink tubing mounted to the side of the shell. Sort of gives it the look of an upper railing. THE LCRU I put in has heat related issues. Runs and stops alot. I have a LC4U coming and will re-install the Commander.
Marty
What you describe almost has to be the R4LC if it's not the antenna and connection. That should do the trick.
