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I just purchased a Lionel TMCC Delaware & Hudson RS-11 smoking diesel. 

The problem is I use an MTH Z4000 transformer, have a conventional layout (no TMCC cab controls, etc.), and the engine runs at the same slow and steady speed between 11 and 20 volts.

On my layout I have 2 independent main lines (an outer loop and inner loop) conventionally wired, so each main line is an independent block.  The train runs great on the outer loop. However, at one place on the inner loop there are three O22 switch tracks back to back (no track sections in between them), and when the engine slowly goes over those switch tracks, it stalls.

I believe if I can get the engine to run a little faster when it goes over those three switch tracks, it won't stall. None of my many MTH and post war engines (that go faster than this new modern Lionel engine) stall there.

I called the seller, who referred me to his repair expert. He believes this new engine may have been programmed or set up to have a speed limit (same slow and steady speed) once the transformer throttle reaches 11 volts. As a result, I can't get it to go any faster even at 20 volts.

The repair expert did not know how to "delete the speed limit" using an MTH Z4000 transformer or a postwar ZW transformer which I also have. Does anyone know how to to delete the speed limit using one of those transformers?

If not, the only way I can delete the speed limit and speed up the engine is to take it to someone who has a layout with Lionel Trainmaster Command Control and handheld cab units, and knows how to use them to clear the speed limit.

Arnold

Last edited by Arnold D. Cribari
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Chuck Sartor posted:

Put your engine in neutral. Turn the throttle all the way up and blow the horn holding the whistle button turn the throttle down to off and release the whistle button and immediately turn the throttle back on. The speed control should be unlocked.

Thanks Chuck. Your advice worked perfectly.

This On-line Forum is a terrific resource!

Arnold

Just in case other Forum members have had this issue, I will share the aftermath.

After I followed Chuck's advice, I was able to delete the speed limit, I could speed up the engine and avoided having it stall over my three back to back switch tracks.

Then, I tested the engine with a heavy load (11 heavy post war operating cars plus caboose). After running fast for a few feet, the engine reverted back to its original slow and steady speed. It's as if the engine refused to speed up with a heavy load. 

I was able to delete the speed limit again, following Chuck's advice on about the 10th attempt. The engine ran fast on my inner loop without pulling any train cars.

I have only had this engine for 1 day. It looks great and performs great in all respects except for this speed limit issue on my conventional layout using the MTH Z4000 transformer.  It seems that with my MTH transformer, if pulling a heavy load, the engine won't accelerate once the throttle reaches 11 volts.

Installing TMCC/Legacy Lite might be a much better way to run this Lionel Legacy engine. 

However, I have many more MTH Proto 1 engines and a few MTH Proto 2 & 3 engines.

Does anyone know how well these MTH engines run when using TMCC/Legacy Lite?

After installing TMCC Legacy Lite, can I shut it off when running my MTH engines using my MTH Z4000 transformer?

Arnold

 

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