Lionel 250 watt ZW Train Master

The older transformer whistle buttons will not trigger the horn or bell on modern locomotives; a pair of Lionel 6-5906 sound activation buttons wired in series can be used to trigger the sounds.

Can you provide the MTH model number of the locomotive that would not move?

-John

The whistle button cuts in a rectifier to put low voltage DC on the track to pull in the relay in the tender for the whistle in a conventional Lionel engine, whose whistle motor works on track AC voltage.  Put your test meter to DC on a track terminal with track volts turned up, push whistle and see if you see DC.  If you don't have DC It is not uncommon for the rectifier to go bad which may be an old style selenium.  Any conventional silicon diode of 1 amp and 100 or more PIV will work, but also, while you have it open, be sure to check the voltage path to and from the rectifier.  Amazon sells diodes, but you won't get one, you will get a bag of 100, and if you try the parts houses, the shipping will be more than the 100 diodes from Amazon.  Sure could use the old neighborhood Radio Shack in these situations.

MTH locomotives are in reset (neutral) when 1st applying power from the transformer. I have the power initially set at 10 to 12 volts for 30 seconds while in reset, then reduce the power to 8 or 9 volts before using the directional button and leaving reset  to go forward.

Did you reduce the transformer power to 8 or 9 volts (not over 10 volts) before leaving reset mode? If not, I would try that.

Arnold

John,  SD-24 Diesel #199, DM&IR   MTH 20-2583-1

Arnold, I will try that.

CALNNC  I will check it.

Thank you all, have Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,

Gerry

Calnnc,  DC registered 00

Arnold, Engine just started.

Just had the same issue with a PS1 engine. They need to see only 10v or less to reset the boards.

Here's the reset procedure.

RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive
has been off for more than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters
RESET, the microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the
system, transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes
approximately 2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup
sounds begin. In order for ProtoSounds® to properly initiate the system
check, do not advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET, wait for the diesel startup sounds to begin and then slowly
turn the transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to
enter the forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the
system to re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this
happen, wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward
phase.

@RSJB18 posted:

Just had the same issue with a PS1 engine. They need to see only 10v or less to reset the boards.

Here's the reset procedure.

RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive
has been off for more than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters
RESET, the microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the
system, transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes
approximately 2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup
sounds begin. In order for ProtoSounds® to properly initiate the system
check, do not advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET, wait for the diesel startup sounds to begin and then slowly
turn the transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to
enter the forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the
system to re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this
happen, wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward
phase.

Excellent Bob!

I recently became aware that the process is about the same for Proto 1 and a Z4000. I initially thought the Z4000 was more compatible. Perhaps it is for many Proto 1s; but I had a real finicky one and the ZW method got it going.

Gerry, so glad I could be of assistance, especially since technical aspects of model railroading is not my forte. Much of what I know about such technical matters I've learned from this Forum over the years.

Bob, thanks for providing a much more complete explanation of the solution for Gerry.

Arnold

I've done everything suggested.  My test track uses a Z1000.  Engines runs perfectly.  Put it on my layout that has a Z4000 and the engine run as it should.  My conclusion, the Lionel transformer will not run the the more updated engines.  Or my ZW has problems.

The Proctor Museum also received an Identical 250 watt ZW.  I tried a MTH PS2 engine and it does the same as my ZW.  Starts up and it won't move.  Whistle & Direction does'nt work.  I then tried an older PS engine and no sound and when I power it up to the max and it takes off in reverse.  Cannot change direction or blow the whistle.  I plan to go through the procedures suggested with that engine after Christmas.

Thanks again, Gerry