New DCS MTH UP Challenger Won't Smoke

Is it under warranty? If so send it back to MTH.

I just bought it 2-3 weeks ago from Train World, LLC so I assume it is under warranty.  Right now I want to rule out operator error.

Tom

Try running it in conventional mode on AC, see if it works that way.

This sounds too easy, but blow down the stack to clear any bubbles or pockets. Some brand new engines are packed so that air doesn't pass thru well. You may have to move the wick around with a small screwdriver when the unit is off!

If you feel that the unit is trying to smoke, it may well have too much fluid and can't get hot. I take a piece of paper towel and wrap it tightly. I insert it in the hole to pull out any extra fluid. Again do that while it's off!

If you turn the engine sounds all the way down, you should hear the smoke unit puffing as the engine pulls out from a stop. If you don't, that maybe the problem. Of course the unit may have something else going on but lets start there.

If your track voltage is too low, the smoke unit may not be getting fully hot to burn off the extra fluid. Your brick maybe putting out the volts, but it may not be getting fully to the engine!

No joy with either the DCS Commander or the Z-4000.

Tom

In conventional with Z-4000 turn smoke off via switch. Have tender where you can get to it easily.  Start up at 12V and read amp meter.  Should be about .3amps.  Turn smoke switch on, should jump to 1.0 amps in neutral.  If it does, but no smoke, your heater is working, but fan is not.  Or you have burned up the wick.  Time to open it up, but if new I would have fixed under warranty.  G

I checked the current in DCS mode: After startup, my ammeter measured 0.45 A. After pushing the smoke button, it jumped to 0.83 A, a difference of 0.38 A.

So the heater is working but I have never heard the fan run on this engine.

I have contacted the place I bought the train about getting an exchange for a defective product since I have had it for less than 30 days.

Tom

Smart move, something is certainly amiss.  It's quite possible it's simple, but you don't know until you pop the top.

A replacement UP 4-6-6-4 arrived yesterday. This locomotive does everything I wanted it to.

Tom

https://youtu.be/SAGHJJXHM20

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...amp;feature=youtu.be

Tom

glad you got it fixed and working correctly! now you can enjoy it !