Lionel 6-28051 EM-1

Reprogram the locomotive properly.

STEP 1: Move switch on locomotive from run to program.
STEP 2: Turn on Command Base.
STEP 3: Place locomotive on track, then turn on power to track.
STEP 4: Press “ENG” then input locomotive ID#. Press “SET”.
STEP 5: Press ”ENG” then input locomotive ID# again.
STEP 6: Press “AUX 1”, then "74".
STEP 7: Turn off power to track, wait ten seconds.
STEP 8: Remove locomotive from track, move switch from program to run.
STEP 9: Place locomotive back on track. Turn power on to track.
STEP 10: Press “ENG” and ID#, then operate as normal.

John I did exactly as you instructed. My EM-1 does exactly the same thing. The smoke unit still pulses,unless I shut it off. Also I don't know if it's normal but the headlight turns off every time the locomotive is put in reverse. Do you think maybe the R2LC/R4LC board could be bad ? Thanks for your time

If the headlight is going off, it sounds like it's programmed as a diesel, that doesn't happen with the proper programming.  Does the headlight flicker when you program the ID and press set?  Maybe the PGM/SET switch isn't really making contact?

The headlight flickers when it's programmed. I followed your directions still same. Got the manual out and did the same thing as you suggested, but they said to use 74 to reprogram the R2LC. Did the same thing, set seems to work. But smoke unit just pulses.

The smoke is pulsing when stopped or when moving?  What version is the R2LC?

The smoke unit pulses constantly as long as it is turned on, and the locomotive is powered. It does not matter what the locomotive is doing. I do not know what version the R2LC board is. The Lionel site just states R2LC/R4LC/RADIO RECEIVER (CO8 CODE)

I would try a new R2LC, that isn't right.

OK John I will. Thanks for all your advice.