MTH AMTRAK GENESIS PHASE III ENGINE

I am no expert but I have a few ps1 engines that I have had very few problems with.  your best bet is to get a a new battery from your local hobby shop and install it.  then set the engine on the track and power it up in neutral/startup mode to at least 12 volts and let a charge for a few hours (at least 3 but now more than 8).  If you can't get an mth battery than you can temporarily use a standard 9 volt battery to test the loco.  After that just remember that ps1 is basically a conventional engine with a nice sound system.  So run it like a conventional engine because if you try to start out at 18 volt like a ps2 or ps3 engine it will take off like a shot.

I hope your new engine works out well

JZ.

First thing since the engine is really getting up there in years replace the battery with a new one or a BCR. All my PS-1 locos have BCR's and they run like new.

If you decide on a battery instead of a BCR be sure it is 8.4 volts not 7.2 volts but I would recoment the BCR. I have at least 20 Proto 1 locomotives and all have BCRs installed as well as all my Proto 2s.

Right now I am waiting for this set to arrive.  I sent out payment today.  I looks to have been used very little.  I do realize it is about 15 years old.  At this point it is untested i do not know the condition of the electronics. The engine physically looks great. Other than putting it on the track and powering it up what can I do? I prefer no buying a new battery yet.  If the boards are cooked I would just convert it to a Williams conventional board.  Thank you, Jon

Since it's been stored and untested I would advise at least putting in a alkiline battery before making any attempt to power it up. You can pick up 9 volt alkaline batteries at Dollar Tree 2@ $1.00 and it can save you from converting it over. If all is ok then you can purchase a recharable battery or BCR. 

I like the idea of a alkaline battery to test it.  Then if all is ok a new proper battery or bcr would be in order.  So do I just replace the battery and run it like my other conventional engines?  Thank you, Jon

Yes but if it works ok you can buy a rechargable battery since the alkaline wont take a charge and will eventually run down. Remember buy a 8.4 volt not 7.2 volt. Radio Shack carries them or if there's a local hobby shop that carries MTH them might also. If you try testing it with the original battery you can scramble the board. 

Also, you don't exactly "run it like your other conventional engines".  PS/1 has a unique power-up sequence that is confusing to folks that have never run them before.  This is all clearly spelled out in the manual.

The Cliff Notes version is that you first apply power of 8-10 volts (max) to the locomotive, wait for a few seconds for the Reset phase to complete, then interrupt power by pulling the throttle off then back on and the engine will enter forward mode.

I would like to thank everyone for the great advice.  Now I just have to wait for the set to arrive. I will change the battery before I attempt to Run the engine. I will go online to see if I can find a manual so I can properly start it up the first time.  Thank you, Jon

Here is the link for the operating manuel for your set.

http://www.mthtrains.com/sites...tion/30rtr13132i.pdf

This set has arrived.  I was amazed to see that the engine and cars appear to never have been used.  The wheels and rollers show no signs of use.  I am very pleased.

i replaced the battery with a alkaline battery and powered it up and it appears to work fine.  The operation is a bit confusing but I am figuring it out as the set came with the manuals and paperwork.  The set also has the oval of track and power brick.  The controls and lock on are missing.

it looks like I should get a BCR to replace the battery next.  Where is a good place to buy one? 

Thank you, Jon

If the controller is missing you will also need to purchase one so you can plug the brick into the controller.  Check the buy/sell list on the forum.  You can also use a normal transformer hooked directly to the track.  Looks like it came with a Z750 brick which is has ample power if you get the controller.  Make sure you read the instructions closely and often.  Remember MTH PS1 engines start up in Reset. (Lionel engines start up in Forward).  Once you get it moving forward as John described and you cycle power again, then the engine is in 'Neutral' and then it will go into Reverse after another cycle of the power(Reset-F-N-R-N-F).  It took me a long time to realize that 'Reset' is NOT Neutral, even though it looks the same and sounds the same.  Your instruction booklet will tell you the difference.  

Congratulations on your 'new' engine and welcome to the MTH world.  

I am currently running it with a MRC Dual power unit on my Lionel fastrack layout.  You are right it starts up in reset and I have a tough Time getting it into forward.  When I do it runs ok.  It did not like pulling seven superliners.  It likes pulling my three Amfleet cars.  I am sure it will be fine once I get used to it.  Thank you, Jon