I recently picked up an MTH WP F-3 w/PS1 (30-2008-1 https://mthtrains.com/30-2008-1 ) that was still in the original box and looked to be in very good shape, but it doesn't work.
The light comes on but it doesn't move and there is only a couple of clicks heard as I increase the voltage. I've verified that the motors are working by disconnecting them and then connecting them to a variable DC transformer.
I emailed info@mthpartsandsales.com and was told that I probably need a new PROM IC (part# AE4500036) as I may have a software issue they called "deselect". They said it might also need a reset using a ProtoSound 1 Reset kit.
The problem with all that is that the PROM IC is $30 and the Reset kit another $30 and they can only say it may work. And of course, I can't return either one if it doesn't.
First, does anyone have any other suggestion of what I could do to restore functionality?
Second, if not, is there someone in the Chicago area that has the ProtoSound 1 Reset kit that I could use? I may be willing to take a $30 flyer on the PROM IC, but it sounds somewhat iffy and I really don't want to spend $60 without a reasonably probability of not wasting it.
Thanks,
David