Lionel RS-11 Strange smoke unit problem

Well, since that unit I believe has a smoke unit regulator board, that would be something to check.  I'm assuming the 6-18598 model cab #8010.  Since the fan runs in one direction, and the smoke element is obviously working, I suspect it's not the smoke unit itself.

If you open up the smoke unit, add power and see if the smoke unit fan is going clockwise or counterclockwise.  It should be going clockwise.  I had some of these smoke unit problems on the earlier Lionmaster Sd90s, I had to switch the two wires for the smoke unit.  It fixed the problem and worked fine.  Hope this helps.

Hard to believe the fan running backwards would affect it based on locomotive direction.

Hi John - Do you have an idea where the regulator board might be located??

Just so I have an idea where to look - Thanks

I would do a engine reprogram.

Bill

I checked the wiring diagram and that one apparently doesn't have the regulator, I'm obviously thinking of a different engine.  I can't imagine it being anything but the smoke unit, according to the wiring diagram it only has two wires coming to it for power.  So, if the element is on, the smoke unit fan should be getting power.  The power wouldn't change based on direction, so it's somewhat of a mystery.

Hi - Update - Did a reprogram - Fixed the issue - Thanks Bill - It was a strange one

It boggles my mind it was only in one direction, I still can't figure out how the resistor could be hot and the fan not run!

Glad it was an easy one, I keep forgetting to recommend reprogramming, lesson hopefully learned.