new Lionel loco takes high current and nothing

P Andrew BiroOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I have a new Lionel Legacy Shark Nose loco. When I applied power the current immediately rose to a few amps even at low voltage (and then the transformer tripped out). I thought it wasn't on the track properly but it was. Nothing happens in the loco - the lights don't even come on.

It seems to me there is a short somewhere. using a meter there is very low resistance between the wheels and the centre-rail pickup rollers. (On other locos there is high resistance between them).

What could be the cause and is there anything I can easily do to have a look?

I may have to send the loco back but, as I live in the UK, would rather not have to send it back across the big pond!

1/29/132:40 PM

❤️ 0

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

NRODOGR Forum Member

Andrew,

Tell us what transformer you are using. Inspect the bottom for loose screws or other metal.Does the pickups have insulation in place between the roller plate and the bottom of the truck?

Sounds like the loco isn't receiving current.

Rod

1/29/132:46 PM

❤️ 0

KOOLjock1OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

First thing I'd do is make sure none of the rollers are jammed up against the truck frames. That being done, I'd move on to removing the shell and looking for pinched wires. If nothing is obvious, call The Doctor and have him give it a go with his Sonic Screwdriver.

Jon

1/29/132:47 PM

❤️ 0

P Andrew BiroOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Originally Posted by NROD:

Andrew,

Tell us what transformer you are using. Inspect the bottom for loose screws or other metal.Does the pickups have insulation in place between the roller plate and the bottom of the truck?

Sounds like the loco isn't receiving current.

Rod

I am using a MTH Z4000 and same thing happens when I apply current directly to the rollers and the wheels

1/29/132:58 PM

❤️ 0

N.Q.D.Y.OGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Originally Posted by P Andrew Biro:

Originally Posted by NROD:

Andrew,

Tell us what transformer you are using. Inspect the bottom for loose screws or other metal.Does the pickups have insulation in place between the roller plate and the bottom of the truck?

Sounds like the loco isn't receiving current.

Rod

I am using a MTH Z4000 and same thing happens when I apply current directly to the rollers and the wheels

It sounds as though you have a dead-short somewhere. If you can't find the problem from a quick inspection, there is a Lionel Service Station in Halesowen. (Tennents Trains, 0121-550-1266) I see that you are in the London area, but it might be quicker to call, or pay a visit, to them in the midlands, than shipping it back to Lionel.

1/29/133:29 PM

❤️ 0

Skip to main content

Membership Required

Remove From Your Block List

Manage Follow Preferences

Block

OGR Forum Supporting Membership Required

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!

OR

Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND over 300 back issues of OGRwith a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!

Please wait...

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!

Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!