Pantograph Question; MTH Scale GG1

I know my Lionel one has a lock switch on it that disables that feature.  Does the MTH somewhere?

Using DCS, yes.  Manual, no.  You MIGHT be able to have the function switched from auto to manual and the set both to be down.  I don't know if this behavior will persist between reboots or the absence of a DCS command signal.  All of this is based on reading the owners manual.

Greg what is the MTH number for the engine?

Bill, it's 20-5609-1E

Chuck, from what i understand from the manual, you can use dcs to put the pantographs down but it will revert back to the default once back in conventional.

Jake, I havent noticed a switch

Doesn't the top rectangular roof box come off(magnetic) and the auto-off switch is there?

On page 3 of the OPERATOR’S MANUAL you should see this. 

"WARNING: The Automatic Operating Pantographs must be unlatched or the onoff switch must be set to OFF before power is applied to the engine."

On GG-1 the switch is located under the loc between the 2 main trucks...  All the GG-1 realeased in 2007 have this on-off feature, but as your GG-1 is part of a set, I am almost certain that some "details" were forgoten on this loc for some economical reasons.  take a look and see if you have an empty space there

Maybe you can open the loc and unplug the pantographs units, so you can lower them without causing damage to the unit.

Pidjy is correct.  I would open it up and lay it on it's side.  Use jumpers to power it.  Whatever pan is down, pull the plug that hooks to that pan motor.  Cycle power and do the same to the other pan when it is down.  Another way to do what you want would be to have someone put it in DCS with both pans down and pull the large plug that goes to the pan control board.

The pan motors are very easy to remove.  A few screws and a plug.  This is just another thought.  I am guessing you need this to happen for you to clear a bridge ot tunnel.

Pidjy, i didnt notice mention of the switch in the manual, i will re-read it tonight and also look for the switch.

Marty, thanks for the info on the plugs. The loco makes it under all tunnels and bridges on the layout with about a quarter of an inch to spare. It runs fine all around but i still get a little nervous every time it passes under something. 

I had one of the other big MTH boxcab electrics with operating pantographs. It had a switch under a magnetic cover on the roof to turn them off.

But, the caution to unlatch them or turn them off was hidden away in the manual. Needless to say, the engine was powered up a few times before I realized that they were latched down. Didn't seem to harm the motors or gearing though.

It's definitely a feature that deserves a prominent "Read this first" tag.

When operated without a catenary wire to push against, their "up" position is too high to be realistic, and too high for normal clearances. IMO, better to just leave them down.

Jim

Found the on/off switch!

Thanks for all the info guys!