Need help on Lionel 6-18056 NYC 4-6-4 J1E HUDSON W/VANDERBILT TENDER

I would try replacing the Locomotive IR transmitter next.

Chuck, he should have seen a bright white.

Thanks for the reply.  Is there anything else I might want to go ahead and get from Lionel to help on the shipping cost of things?

If you're seeing a purple glow from the IR transmitter, it's pretty likely that's not the issue.  It sounds like you have an issue in the tender.

The tender works behind my lionel N&W "a" engine in tmcc mode.  I checked the alignment between the hudson and the tender and it seems fine.  The hudson will not work the "a" tender.  I tried to reset using code 74, and 740.  I may be doing something wrong, I usually do, what should I check or try next?

Hmm...  I'd suspect the LCRU if you see a purple glow from the IR transmitter.  It's clearly emitting, that's pretty much all it has to do.  The serial data from the LCRU is what drives it.

Yes, but I will try it again tonight when I get off work.

Is there something on the board I can check or is that something internal?  

If I have to replace the board is there a better option than the original?

I've replaced the LCRU with the ERR AC Commander, it's a pretty nice option for AC motors.  I did that with my dual-motor Phantom locomotive upgrade, it made a world of difference over the LCRU.  I got tons better low speed performance than the LCRU gave me.

The only wild card is the wireless tether, I haven't tried to use one of those with the AC Commander.

@Bhale posted:

Need advice on what to do next on my Lionel J1E Hudson, 6-18056.  I have looked up all I could on here and followed several things and now I think I need to replace the board in the engine.  See pic.

Here is the back story and issues:

Derailed, sparks flew......no whistle or bell in tmcc, but yes when I press whistle or bell from transformer, back up light on constantly, no rear coupler, sounds are on idle when it moves.

Opened tender up and found burnt spot on the 6108056200 - AD20A / IR RECEIVER PCB (NON-MODULAR).  (#1 in tender pic) Replaced this board with a new one from lionel.  This did not help.....but got on OGR and found to switch engines.  I did this and it works great.  So I know its engine related.

Next step, I used the old cell phone camera and I did see a purple glow from the IR sensor.  I have checked for broken wires, loose wires, etc.  Not to say I didn't miss one.

I took the board loose from the engine and looked at it.  I didn't see any obvious burnt spots like I did on the other board.  See my poor quality pictures.  

What's the next step.  Is there a better option than just replacing the board, ie: err cruise or something.  I like this engine and it runs and smokes great for me.  Just wished the tender operated the way it should.

Did you ever find a fix??? I'm having the exact same problem...

If you’re having the EXACT same problem, then the most likely culprit is a killed LCRU. You can install an ERR AC Commander, or contact me via profile, I have NTO (New Take Off) LCRU’s in stock. That will be a direct replacement, you’ll have to program it with an ID as you would any TMCC radio board.

Pat