Need some help. Got a hold of a MTH 20-3025-1 cab forward steam engine. It has been sitting for years, the white battery was removed. I put in a new 9V alkine battery, the manual says its ok for testing it only. I will a install a bsr battery later when i purchase it. My trouble is that it only the lights come on. No sound , no movement, I tried to reset it 40 times on the throttle lever, an also the 18 times to per the manual. I am using a lionel zw transformer. I found the smoke switch on the bottom of engine pushed in and broken, i tied the wires together and put in smoke fluid, smokes pretty good. Is there a way to hard wire the engine to run independent of the tender? Or either hard wire tender so engine runs? Or what suggestions can I try. Or should i send it in for repair? Thanks Dave.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
you need a z4000 transformer to reset the engine, how long do the sounds last when you change direction. sent you an email !
could have minor problems usually!
Well, you can use any transformer with a working whistle button to reset a PS/1 locomotive.
However, in this case, I suspect more than a reset is called for. If you're getting no sound at all, check the tether first as the lights are track powered and will come on even if the tender isn't getting power. The smoke on PS/1 is also tied directly to track power, so smoke will work as well. No sound at all suggests no power to the PS/1 boards.
I'd endeavor to actual fix it properly as this is a pretty nice locomotive.
Shout out to Alan in NJ. He gave me great advise on repairing my engine. I will purchase a Bachmann - Reverse Board w/Lockout - O - # 00249 rated @ 6amps Off ebay $54 older version was # 00247 can't find them. Or the Dallee board Item Number: #1400 rated at 12 amps $79. I don't need or really care for the sounds. The sound of the whole train across the tracks is sufficient for me. And besides the boards are very expensive for each one. Shipping the engine is not really an option to get it repaired its to heavy may get damaged. Seems simple enough to install these kits.
For the Cab Foward big steam loco would the Dallee board with the higher amps be a better choice?
Also want to say thanks to John he always ready to lend a hand in getting these old engines going.
Dave.
Other than shipping this can be repaired normally for less than the cost of the New reverse unit where you loose all the PS-1 sounds and features.
More than likely a chip reset. Replacing switch is easy. Not sure why gutting is considered a better option? G