UPDATE: FlyerChief Polar Express smoke unit performing flawlessly following factory service!

I have had good luck with engines that have been serviced at Lionel to include a Big Boy and a Challenger. Both were returned in excellent condition.

4 to 6 drops of smoke fluid? Hardly sounds like enough to me, I add a lot more than that even on a refill.

Seemed small to me too, rtr12, when I read it in the manual but according to the Lionel repair service dept. rep, that is the amount called for. BTW, I've heard that being a s gauge PE - its smoke reservoir is considerably smaller than its o gauge PE cousin. 

And Mark, I'll be contacting Ro in the morning hoping they won't say since their invoice is dated Sept. 9th, that it's been with me too long to return to them and that I must contact Lionel directly.

I would think Lionel should know, but it sure might be worth taking a look inside when you get all this sorted out and get a new one or it is returned from Lionel after the repair. I am never sure how much to add either?

Checked with Ro yesterday and the recourse they offered and suggested was for me to send it to Lionel Service who "Would most likely replace it with a new one". However, if Lionel hasn't yet received a shipment of S PE's to break down for replacement/repair parts then I don't see how I'll possibly get a new replacement S PE from Lionel but will instead have to settle with my brand new engine being repaired. Doesn't seem right or fair, but I have no alternative. 

O gauge guy

I received my PE loco back from NC yesterday for an issue with the smoke unit.  Like everyone else's I had the smoke board replaced. After getting it set up and running it did not smoke.  it took about 20 min of run time for it to get going and now it smokes very well.  Maybe let it stretch its legs for a while and see what happens.  

Ben 

Most of you guys know that I have had more than my share of problems with my PE set.  But one of them was NOT the smoke unit.  So far, the thing smokes like crazy, on FlyerChief setting.  However, it takes about 25-30 seconds from a cold start to see anything, but once warmed up, it's fine.  But it takes a LOT more smoke fluid than I'm used to using in the Flyer or American Models units.  I'll have to buy another bottle soon.  Six drops just starts it.  After five minutes, another 4 or so is needed for maximum smoke production.  I hope I don't overdo it, but that's what seems to be needed. 

I agree with the others about waiting longer for it to start smoking. I have O gauge, but I think all of my Lionel engines take at least a couple of minutes to start smoking. MTH seems to start a bit sooner. 20 min. sounds excessive, but I would run it for a while and see what happens. If it takes 20 or even 30 min. I would sure run it at least that long and see. Sure beats another return trip. 

ogaugeguy,

I initially put in 6 drops of Bart's Pneumatic Super Smoke.  It smells just like the Flyer fluid of old.  I initially ran it conventionally, but have switched to running it in FlyerChief mode using an 18B transformer set at maximum voltage.  BTW, I've also ran the engine with four classic Gilbert aluminum passenger cars (it may pull more, but for now, that's all I have).  That way, I don't worry about the bulbs getting the shells too hot.  Eventually, I'll convert the plastic cars to LED illumination. 

I always use Lionel smoke fluid in my Flyonel.  The reason is the smoke units were designed to use fluid with that chemical makeup.  I have heard from a Lionel technician that Mega Steam fluid will actually damage a Lionel smoke unit over time. 

When I was speaking to the Lionel representative at York last month, he said that the regular production Berkshires would be produced at another facility. The Lionel rep said that it was a top quality facility.  With the problems I am reading about certain circuit boards failing and the fact that production is moving to a"better" facility tells me that Lionel was aware of "issues" and has taken steps to correct them.  I hope for everyone that the problems are rectified!

Probably a dumb question but I'm not familiar with remote controlled operation of trains.  I bought the AF Polar Express set.  I figured I'd better check and make sure it worked before setting it up under our tree.  I just put  section of track (not a completed oval) and the engine beeps and the remote's light flashes but no sounds or movement.  Batteries are brand new.  Does one need a completed circuit to make it work?  Thanks for any info!!!

Check that the selector switch under the cab is set for "Remote."

Rusty

Thanks Rusty.  I did check to make sure it was set to remote.  I also set it for transformer and plugged the power supply in and the engine sounds came on.  Maybe I have a bad board or something.

Take care,

Bob

From the little I know about the "Chief" systems, the locomotive is searching for the remote.  Section of track or loop, it makes no difference.

Might be a good question for the RC control forum:

https://ogrforum.com/forum/rc-forums

Rusty

Thank you sir!

There is a switch on the remote to turn it on.  When you have done that its light blinks.  If no blink make sure the batteries are in correct. If nothing works call Lionel Customer Service on Monday. 

Bob,

I hope you resolve the issues with your Polar Express set.  When it works, it's a nice little train.  The only thing I can suggest is to read the manual again and again.  I missed a couple of things too.  The Flyer Chief technology is something new for us guys in S.  It's supposed to be an easy, intuitive system suitable for kids of all ages to operate.  But sometimes easy isn't all that easy if something is wrong with the circuitry. 

You may even have a broken wire buried somewhere inside.  It's been known to happen.  That may be what you are experiencing.  If the sounds come on, it's found the remote.  If the remote's light blinks, it's sending a signal and the batteries are in correctly.  The faster the blink rate, the faster the locomotive goes.  If it isn't going, the motor inside isn't getting power, or it's not working.  Make sure the wheels turn freely, at least a little bit.  They're geared, and will not rotate, but should move a bit.  Check that there is no binding in the drive rods.  If the wheels don't move AT ALL, there's a problem in the rods, but that's very unlikely. 

As an aside, many folks have had problems with this locomotive and set.  I've heard that Lionel is transferring the manufacture of the higher end Berkshires to another facility.  Still in China, though.  We shall see what we shall see...  These things were assembled rather haphazardly.  Wires can get pinched, body shells can get cracked, wheels can be wobbly due to being poorly pressed on and wrong components can be used. 

Good luck!

Bob,

Mark has a good point, and it makes sense.  Try it if you can.

Also is it possible you can set it up using a standard transformer?  Be sure to set the switch on the locomotive to "transformer" first, though.  The locomotive will at least move and have minimal sounds, but it will let you know if the locomotive is at fault or not. 

Thank you gentlemen for responding.  I think I'll give Lionel a call tomorrow and see what they say.  This is the first AF PE set my local Lionel dealer has sold and I don't know of anyone else in my area that has one.  I'd like to take the locomotive chassis off and look for broken/loose wire/s but that would probably void the warranty.  I see that they use glue rather than solder so that might be the problem!  I'll let you all know what I find out.  Thanks again for the help!

Take care,

Bob

I went and bought the freshest batteries I could find and that didn't work so I called Lionel and was told to send the locomotive/tender and remote in.  The lady said I should have it back within 2 weeks.  Thanks again for the suggestions!

Bob