Tested my new Erie 2-8-4 today on 40" curves and the sound cuts in and out on the curves but no problem on the straight sections. Is this normal or is the only solution to send it to Lionel for repairs?
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I tested the Southern Berk a couple of years ago and it did not exhibit such behavior. I would suspect that one of the wires from the drawbar has a poor connection inside either the locomotive or tender. It may be a bad solder joint or poorly seated connector.
If you're not comfortable poking around inside the locomotive, then I would recommend sending it to Lionel for repair.
Rusty
Agree with Rusty, I have all Gilbert track which is approximately 40" diameter and neither of my Berks lose the sound on curves. Have you run on both left and right curves? I am just curious if it happens in both directions. I would recommend getting it back to the seller for warranty repair.
Ray
Received Erie 2-8-4 back from Lionel. They fixed the sound cutting out going around curves. They said fixing damage front wheel which they said was causing the problem. Another Lionel AF diesel (a U33c) I bought was stopping for no reason so sent it to Lionel they replaced several parts and fixed that. Found as several members stated using the lower cost Legacy control made all the Legacy locomotives run much better.
Where did you get 40" Fastrack curves?
I think Flyer Fastrak is 20" radius.
Oops, didn't notice we were in the S-scale forum! 
Nevermind!
Think Lionel did a good job in fixing these two locos. That Erie 2-8-4 sure smokes a lot. Have a CSX SD70ace on order from Mr. McMuffin. Does not appear to being shipped anytime soon - probably should have not preordered.
