Lionel Mikado Jr. dead

Since the headlight is off as well, it's probably more likely that the R2LC is the failing board.  Of course, it could also simply be a loose connection.

First step, does the locomotive whistle and/or bell work under command control?  That would be useful information.

Next step, reprogram the locomotive ID, and don't forget the AUX1-code programming for engine type, most likely AUX1-4 for that locomotive.

Then I'd open it up and reseat all the boards and connectors.  Next, check closely for any pinched or broken wires, another common cause of failures.  Also, check the antenna connection, though that should cause the headlight to blink.

Finally, my first parts swap in this situation would be the R2LC, find another locomotive in your fleet and try the R2LC from the failing one in that locomotive.  Remember to reprogram both the TMCC # and the engine type.

Thanks, John.  I'm conventional only at the moment (waiting for the Cab 1L).  The whistle and bell both work fine.  I'll just make sure everything looks tight before I put back in the original R2LC board - or get another ERR board - and post what I find.

In conventional mode, the whistle is triggered directly from track voltage, so that doesn't say anything about the health of the R2LC or ERR Cruise Commander.

I'd still try the R2LC swap, if it's strictly conventional, no programming needed, just pop the other one in and see if it runs.

Not my lucky day.  I swapped the original board back in, and it does the same thing: nothing.  I don’t know how to diagnose what else might be wrong with it, so it looks like it’s in for a trip to somebody who does.  On the bright side, maybe it’s not the ERR board that went bad, after all!

There should be folks local in your area that can look at that.  Do you belong to any clubs?  I usually have an engine or two come in periodically for repair.

I live in Charlottesville, VA, and although I don't yet belong to Virginia Train Collectors, I'd like to know who else is around in the 3-rail community.  I guess joining is the best way to find out!

Or asking here.