New (to me) MTH GG1 (froma set) 30-2592-1E

Regarding charging, the PS2 engine will charge its battery when power is applied to the track. There is a small jack under the engine to connect an accessory charger when the engine is not on track, or if you want to charge without powering up the whole unit. If you run your engine reasonably often (more than a few times per year), the accessory charger isn’t necessary. 

Engineer-Joe posted:

 So with it missing tires, it's hard to judge how good a puller it will be. I have disabled a single axle inside a truck and the traction goes down MUCH more than 50% for that truck and somewhere around 50% total for the engine! It's like the other axle(s) in that truck don't do their share.

 Yes, that's a PS2 3 volt battery shown.

Is the stock battery giving you problems? Did you fully charge it first? Does the engine play shut down sounds when you kill the power?

Since your running conventionally, does the engine go thru the forward, neutral, and reverse cycles well?

If you don't have the instructions:

Look up the engine number on the MTH site, and select "support" and look for the manual. It will describe how to get various sounds to play in the running conventional section.

here:

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30dl18334i.pdf

 

 

Thanks Joe. I grabbed a couple of tires from another MTH GG1 engine box and put them on.  There is a difference, but I still think the Lionel is a better puller with its can motors.

That PDF file will come in very handy!  My issue will be working with the old ZW.  The bell and whistle sliders aren't very conducive for this application. They are not responsive at all for a 'morse code like' 1/2 second pauses.  I've been reluctant to spring for Z4000 because of some bad stories I've heard.

Thanks again - Ponz

The GN Man posted:

Regarding charging, the PS2 engine will charge its battery when power is applied to the track. There is a small jack under the engine to connect an accessory charger when the engine is not on track, or if you want to charge without powering up the whole unit. If you run your engine reasonably often (more than a few times per year), the accessory charger isn’t necessary. 

Thank you!

Ponz