Skip to main content

So, the fun with my Atlas NJ Transit ALP-44 continues.  So, I decided to keep the locomotive and put in an order for screws and the new side frames for the trucks.  Last week I put the train on the track for first time and all it did was make engine noise. No bell, no horn, no lights, no start-up procedure using my conventional transformer. I don’t have DCS or Lionel TMCC/Legacy at the moment, but all information I read about this Atlas locomotive was that it would run both conventionally and with Lionel TMCC/Legacy in addition to Atlas’ discontinued LocoMatic control.

So I took it to my local hobby store, Ready to Roll Trains in Miami, to see what Bill Lucas and friends could do as they have all O Gauge control systems on its track.  Bill put the locomotive on the track and saw the same result I did, just engine noise and nothing else, whether the track was being powered conventionally or with a remote system. Bill even removed the Roof Electrical Box Cover – I didn’t know that could be removed – and pointed out to me a panel that looked like it needed codes to input and maybe the locomotive was locked.  The unit that I purchased didn’t come with a manual or the LocoMatic control box and there was no information available on the Atlas website so everyone was at a loss as to what to do. 

OGR Atlas ALP-44 07

OGR Atlas ALP-44 08

So, I’ve gone ahead and purchased a LocoMatic control box on FeeBay to see if that will make it work or unlock the codes.  If anyone has an owner’s manual, I would greatly appreciate it if you could scan a copy of it and e-mail it to me.

Attachments

Images (2)
  • OGR Atlas ALP-44 07
  • OGR Atlas ALP-44 08
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Kevin:

They are not 'codes' per se, they just need to be in a certain sequence to run conventional or LocoMatic.  From your picture, it appears that that you are in LocoMatic mode, (first 2 dip switches ON), especially given you are hearing sound but no movement.  If you normal the first 2 dip switches (to OFF, as the rest are), I'll wager she will run.  I know these units quite well, and have several manuals right in front of me.  Try what I am suggesting, but I will also scan the manual (or at least the good parts) for your reference.

Last edited by Pantenary

Kevin:

Please see attached.  Your area of interest will be page 12, (PDF page 5).  If you set all those dip switches to 'OFF", I think the unit will work for you unless there is some board level issue.  Let me know how it turns out; I'll be happy to help you troubleshoot further.

Attachments

Last edited by Pantenary

Apologies for the delay in responding but was moving this weekend which consumed all of my time.

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Funny thing Kevin, I had the same situation on a MTH loco...  After hours trying to reset and no results.  I turned the poweron, (conventional transformer) and laid a screwdriver across the tracks'..  The loco came to life, and has never had another problem...

Quarter Gauger - Funny indeed 

Nate, thanks for the information, and thank you for the Owner's Manual.  Interesting enough, this morning, Atlas responded to an e-mail I sent them last week and in that e-mail was a scanned manual.  Just waiting for the LocoMatic box to arrive (ETA Sep 3rd) and I will be set. 

Everything is packed away, but I can't wait to put up a small loop with manual and LocoMatic on hand to see the ALP-44 run its paces with a couple of coaches behind it

Last edited by Amfleet25124

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×