Yesterday I took delivery of an MTH Sante Fe type 2-10-4 from Stout Auctions. It is my first MTH locomotive. The engine looked to be in excellent condition. When I placed it on the track and applied power, the front headlamp came on and it made a slight humming sound but would not run at all. The unit came without a manual so I don't have anything to refer to. I am under the impression it also has a battery and that might be the issue. Has anyone had any similar problems?
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What's the number on the side of the locomotive? Number 5012 is PS2 5V and will need a new battery. DO NOT POWER IT UP AGAIN until you replace the battery. The speaker on a PS2 5V locomotive should also be replaced with a new 16ohm speaker before powering it up again. Number 5025 is PS2 3V and should have the battery replaced but it's not as dire.
Hi Lou, Thanks for that information. The number on this locomotive is 5025. I will heed your warning and take it to my local MTH service guy. At least I know why it won't run. Regards, Bill
With 5025 being PS2 3V it's probably an issue a little deeper than the battery. Time to pop the boards on a test fixture and isolate the issue.
So if I am understanding you, it is time to let my service guy look at it. There is nothing else I should try? I am not experienced in any of this.
Make sure the tether is seated properly.
I am not familiar with the tether? Or do you mean tender?
The tether is the cable that comes out of the front of the tender and plugs into the back of the locomotive. The reverse unit and sound unit are combined in the tender. The engine will not run if the tether is not connected.
Later MTH locomotives have the tether integral with the drawbar (as opposed to a cable), which needs to be pressed up firmly into the connector under the tender. If this connector is not fully seated, the locomotive will not run or will run intermittently.
Thank you for responding. I will check out the connection.
Do not power up any more. Take to the service tech to test board. Chances are the board has a fault. They are repairable, but excess power applied with a fault can do more damage rending board non repairable. Not all tech do component repair, but if he is good, he can diagnose the board properly. G
Thanks for the advice. It seems to be the best course of action.
Bill,
Go to the MTH web site and enter the product number. A screen will pop up showing the product number and a picture of that locomotive. Click on the product number and very detailed screen will come up. Go to the manual, click on it. You should see the instruction manual appear.
Bruce
@bruce benzie posted:Bill,
Go to the MTH web site and enter the product number. A screen will pop up showing the product number and a picture of that locomotive. Click on the product number and very detailed screen will come up. Go to the manual, click on it. You should see the instruction manual appear.
Bruce
Excellent way to get the instructions manual. However, in this case, the OP should listen to the advice of the masters,….and I agree,…..he shouldn’t attempt another fire up until the problem is diagnosed by a tech,….there’s still a chance the PS2 board can be saved,…..repeated attempts to keep firing it up could result in disaster….
Par
Hi Bruce, Thanks for your help. my intention is to get it to my service guy who is MTH certified this week, Bill
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