I have an MTH Rail King 30-1188-1 UP Challenger and the front green marker lights go on and off as it runs around the layout. Both lights go off and on at the same times.
Before I try to fix it I thought I would ask if anyone knows if this is a common problem with a simple solution or if it is likely that I will have to remove the boiler to get to the wiring?
Thanks
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Does the headlight also go off? Loose bulb?
It is a common problem with that engine. Does it do it with the smoke on only? Mine only did it with smoke on, also the firebox glow light would flash as well (which actually looked good!). The problem is with the ground wire on the MUX board. There was a posting way back then (over 8 years ago) that told you how to fix it. It involved switching the blue wires around. It cured my engine. Not sure exactly how to do it anymore, you could try a search and see if the instructions turn up again. I have seen similar posts over the years.
Gregg,
The headlight stays on.
Kevin,
I never run smoke (room too small) but I will check the firebox light tonight or tomorrow. I remember seeing it on but don't recall if it flickered.
I only have run the trains very infrequently so I don't know if this is a new or old problem with this loco but the marker lights do not flicker - they stay on a bit and then stay off a bit.
I will do a search but if someone knows how to find those previous posts I'd appreciate the help.
Is there such a thing as a wiring diagram for this (or other MTH) locos?
Thanks
On and off are different than flicker. The other thing is that your instructions don't show markers. They show a headlight and fire box. So, it sounds like the markers may be green lens illuminated by the head light. Hence why Gregg asked what the headlight is doing. The Y6B had a reflector I believe. Not sure about your RK model.
I think you need to take the shell off and inspect headlight area. G
The reference to the Y6b helped. For some reason MTH does not seem to have parts diagrams for my Rail King or Premier Challengers but there was one for my Y6b (all PS2).
Both the Challenger and Y6b headlights are on the pilot and the marker lights are on the smokebox.
Thanks for for mentioning the instructions. I think they incorrectly labeled the marker light as the headlight but that shows me how to get to the lights.
I am sort of past the point (large hands and not so good eyes) of doing much work on my locos anymore but I hate the idea of shipping locos if I can avoid it.
According to the parts list the Rail King Challenger has lights for the headlight, the marker lights and the firebox but the Y6b only has lights for the headlight on the pilot and the firebox.
This morning I noticed the Rail King Challenger marker lights were off and also the firebox light was off so that tells me they wiring problem is probably inside the boiler.
That just refreshed, me to. The headlight is on the pilot, and there is a screw in bulb on the smoke unit for lighting the marker lens. So the bulb can be loose. The other thing is the harness can have a bad wire for interior lights. This can cause the fire box and other light to go out together.
You just need to open it up and see how it is wired, whether a bulb is loose, or if a spring and contact pad are used to transfer power, etc... G
Is this the fix referred to?
I have not had time to take the boiler off yet.
Is there a risk of major damage if I don't fix this immediately?
December 2, 2013 3:47 PM
No, We need to confirm a MUX issue before jumping to that. That is why I said flicker is different from on and off flashing. If the lights stay on but flicker in intensity that can be a MUX board issue. G
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