K-Line Issue

I would put a voltmeter on the track and check to see what the TIU is putting out. Maybe the variable out has a problem.

Pete

I would try to get that ZW out of storage (or borrow one if possible) and see what happens.

When I troubleshoot, I always try to go back to what last worked!

Unless there's something wrong with the PH180, it's not the transformer.  The PH180 is a pure sine wave transformer and wouldn't be the cause of these issues.

Do other engines run OK on the layout?

Were they stored in an area of high humidity?

Mark is thinking the same thing I am: oxidation. Trains stored in a humid environment can suffer from poor electrical contact once you start them up after a very long break.

If every other locomotive you have is running fine and you have been running trains regularly in the past two years, the change would be in the locomotives themselves. Clean the pickups and the wheels and see if that helps.

If you haven’t run any trains for two years, clean the track.

It all depends on the details of your environment.

That same day I ran an MTH premier Blue Comet with no issues that sat for over a year. Also, a LionChief set has been run on the same track weekly for almost 2 years. The engines are stored in glass/wood display cases in my den. I do live in FL but the a/c is on almost year round so humidity isn’t a factor. I’ll dig out my ZW sometime this weekend to see what happens and post the results. Thanks for the responses!

Didn’t find ZW but did find my Cab1L. One engine ran fine with plenty of speed when using TMCC and the 180 brick except no chuff, all other features seem to be working. Any guesses why no chuff? Same engine continues to creep when just using track power, same is true of other non-TMCC K4. Any thoughts?

@Trainmstr posted:

Didn’t find ZW but did find my Cab1L. One engine ran fine with plenty of speed when using TMCC and the 180 brick except no chuff, all other features seem to be working. Any guesses why no chuff? Same engine continues to creep when just using track power, same is true of other non-TMCC K4. Any thoughts?

More than likely a bad or mis-adjusted chuff switch. The chuff switch, ( or cherry switch) is located on the front axle, these are commonly known to go bad,….the switch lives behind the smoke unit, and they can’t help to get smoke fluid on them and croak,…

Pat

Finally was able to unpack one of my ZWs. Ran the non-TMCC K4 with the ZW, I wouldn’t say it ran well but it had no problem getting up to speed. Next issue is it lost both traction tires. Does anyone know of a replacement for these tires?? I’m hoping Lionel produced these engines, after taking possession of K-Line’s tooling, so they may be available. Any help in identifying a replacement tire is appreciated!