I have just received a Lionel tmcc m1a from 2003. I put it on the tracks and the smoke unit runs fine for about 3 minutes. I notice that the fan had turned off. All other parts of the smoke unit are working fine. Then about 5 minutes later it turns back on. It continues to do this exact same thing. Has anyone had this problem? I would appreciate any advice to fix the problem.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Same request as so many times before, what's the EXACT Lionel stock number for the locomotive.
The symptoms suggest your fan regulator on the smoke unit is failing. There are three parts on the smoke unit, a diode, electrolytic cap, and a LM340-5 regulator. If the diode or cap fails, it usually takes out the regulator. Also, the regulator frequently fails as it's running very hot driving the fan motor.
The model number is 6-38056. Thank you John for the advice.
I just noticed that when the smoke unit isn't working it makes a very faint ticking noise. On top of that the lights flash very faintly with the ticking noise.
Is the smoke unit getting hot when you turn the smoke on? If it's not getting power at all, I'd first check the resistor, and then replace the smoke voltage regulator module. The smoke regulator is a VERY common failure item. I keep several in the parts box for that reason.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
