Help - RailKing engines run on DCS layout but Premier engines do not

Doesn't make sense why that would happen.  What type of transformer and set up are you using?  Why didn't they test them with DCS?  Were they PS-1 engines, vice PS-2?  Which hobby shop in VA did you go to?  G

Hi G-

Transformer is a MTH Z-1000 connected to a single TIU on fixed voltage.  The Premier unit is a GP-9 3V PS-2, Proto-Scale 3-2.  The RailKing Ready-To-Run engines are a SD70ACE 3V PS2 and a F40PH 3V PS2.

Thank you for your help! 

I would check your dcs and dcc switch that its in dcs and check your 3 rail and 2 rail switch that in 3 rail. 

Ditto, and make the shop run it in DCS.  G

Chessie1971-

I confirmed that the DCS polarity switch was set to DCS on both GP-9 units and that the 3-Rail switch was set to 3-Rail.

G-

When I took the first unit back to the shop, they placed it on their DCS layout and they were able to add it and run it but there was no audio.  The second unit could not be added / located on the shop's DCS when I took it back - the engine is dead.

Thank you for your help, guys - I don't know what to do.  I'm now gun-shy about purchasing any Premier units now for fear of them doing the same thing.   

Csxfan i would try the switch in both directions. I have heard they be hooked up wrong and i would try to charge your engine up under conventional for 15 mins see if it runs then maybe dead battery. 

Thanks, chessie1971.

I do not have the engines as they have both been returned.  I'll keep that in mind for the future. 

My problem now is that I have a $420.00 credit at a train shop that I have no desire to use.  My layout is small (5 X 10 with O-36 FasTrack curves) so there aren't a lot of Premier unit options for me.  I really wanted the GP-9 to add to my collection, but now I'm afraid to buy another one.If anybody else has any ideas, I'm all ears.

Your welcome!!! I don't know what else to tell ya and i would have tried to get it fixed before getting my money back. I would talk to that dealer see if he can get it fixed or send in to MTH for repairs . What road do you model.   

Chessie1971-

I guess I should have had it fixed but since they had an identical model, I exchanged it so I could use it as soon as possible.  They said they would send them both back to MTH - will MTH repair them and send them back to the shop, or will they just send them other stock?

The layout is a 5 X 10 twice-around.  One unit is an Amtrack F40PH for passenger service and the other unit is a CSX SD70ACE for freight.  I'm partial to CSX and any of their roads from their lineage.

If I purchase a RailKing engine, do you think that will run fine as my other engines are RailKing?  Or, should I try to purchase another Premier engine but bring it straight home without running it at the shop?  Do you think running it at the shop borked something for it to act the way it did on my layout?  Are there any problems with my layout?  If there are, why do my RailKing engines run normally?

I'm not sure what they will do. They may fix them or give them credit. I don't know anything be wrong with your layout if your other engines run fine and not sure about the dealer layout. What item no. on that engine if you still remember it so i can look it up on mth website.

Chessie1971-

Item number from MTH is 20-20134-1.  I spent approximately 6 hours searching the forums here for any issues with that product but didn't find anything.

Thank you for all of your help - confused on what to do now...

A benefit of buying at a LHS is the ability to run it at the store before bringing it home so I wouldn't give that up.  I don't think the shop's or your layout broke them -  RailKing and Premier engines use the same PS2 electronics.  There is a burn-in period failure rate for electronic parts, so occasionally the stars will align and two failures will occur on the same model, from the same store, to the same customer. 

I'd think your shop would take it upon themselves to follow up with MTH to track the repairs as a pair...and as a courtesy get back to you with what failed.  At least that's what I'd expect of a LHS vs. an online discounter.  Presumably your shop will get back or re-stock that model and I'd have no qualms buying the GP-9 again whether factory-refurbished or factory-fresh.

All in my opinion of course...

Stan-

Thank you for the reply and advice.  I'll give that a try.

I would stay away from Vegas if that happened?  Which store?  I see your in VA.

I am a tech in SE VA.  MTH will return the engines after repair.  G