Problem with stuck in reverse PS3 Baldwin Center Cab Item number 20-20194-1

I fear it's still not liking that transformer.

Just flip the shell around, then it’ll be stuck in forward 

30 watts is probably not enough for the locomotive, consider a better transformer.

Thanks for the advice.  I tried a slightly larger transformer, but still no luck.

Would it be better to put it in DCC or DCS mode?

DCS for sure!  If you're in DCC, that's likely the issue.

I have tried both DCS and DCC.  Now in DCS and all I've managed to do is turn off the green and red marker lights.  Either I buy a $400-500 transformer or take to a service station.

Orrin, by DCS you mean that you flipped the switch to DCS?  From what I am reading, in conventional it should not make a difference. My question is, can it be locked into a direction using DCS?  If it can, then likely the previous owner did. Can it be unlocked without DCS? 

Bill S. posted:

Orrin, by DCS you mean that you flipped the switch to DCS?  From what I am reading, in conventional it should not make a difference. My question is, can it be locked into a direction using DCS?  If it can, then likely the previous owner did. Can it be unlocked without DCS? 

Yes Bill, but he needs a proper transformer with bell and whistle buttons to do it.

MTH engines don't like some of Lionel's smaller transformers that have a certain wave output.

I actually run most of my MTH O scale on Lionel's PH180 bricks. Again, no bell and whistle buttons. I also have a Z4000.

I fear the problem here might be something else so I wouldn't recommend he spends that kind of money here just to test.

I'm guessing though that the older ZWs don't have the buttons? I have read that they lack protection for modern equipment.

A little background, Orrin and I work at the same place. He does not have any command of any brand.  I gave him a 40 watt so he had the bell and whistle buttons, hoping it would be able to switch the mode.  I did tell him about added protection for modern equipment, I run my modern equipment in a ZW-C w/180 bricks. If the procedures didn't work tonight, I told him I  would try it with my ZW-C.  My understanding is the person he got it from ran exclusive MTH DCS.  I don't have DCS, so if it need that to unlock, I could not help. I knew of the CW80 watt issues but didn't know the 40 watt also had issues. I appreciate the reply and any added help!

An MTH Z1000 can be had for like $80. That’s plenty big with 6 amps of juice that’s lIke 120 watts

Bill S. is going to try the locomotive on his layout at home.  If that does no do it, then I will take it to Summerfeld's in Butler (Milwaukee).  I really don't want to install DCS for 1 locomotive.  I really do like the engine.

I will let you all know how it turns out.

Bill S. took the locomotive home with him.  Here are his results in his words.

"I got the markers working. I was able to get it out of the reverse mode. I ran it around the layout once in cruise. I put it in neutral to take it out of cruise mode to see if it worked. It then went about 10 feet and tripped the transformer breaker. I can get it to go through the start-up sounds but as soon as I try to go into forward or reverse it will trip the breaker. I did not remove the shell to check the wiring. I did notice a loose screw on the bottom, by either the volume or smoke control. That screw won't fully tighten, but does not appear to be the issue. It must be shorting internally, but I don't know on what. It could be part of a board, I don't know.  I got the markers working. I was able to get it out of the reverse mode. I ran it around the layout once in cruise. I put it in neutral to take it out of cruise mode to see if it worked. It then went about 10 feet and tripped the transformer breaker. I can get it to go through the start-up sounds but as soon as I try to go into forward or reverse it will trip the breaker. I did not remove the shell to check the wiring. I did notice a loose screw on the bottom, by either the volume or smoke control. That screw won't fully tighten, but does not appear to be the issue. It must be shorting internally, but I don't know on what. It could be part of a board, I don't know.  I got the markers working. I was able to get it out of the reverse mode. I ran it around the layout once in cruise. I put it in neutral to take it out of cruise mode to see if it worked. It then went about 10 feet and tripped the transformer breaker. I can get it to go through the start-up sounds but as soon as I try to go into forward or reverse it will trip the breaker. I did not remove the shell to check the wiring. I did notice a loose screw on the bottom, by either the volume or smoke control. That screw won't fully tighten, but does not appear to be the issue. It must be shorting internally, but I don't know on what. It could be part of a board, I don't know.  

Thanks Bill!

It appears that things are now worse.

Aside from repeating 3 times what he observed, what did Bill actually do to the engine?

I think it's time that you let an MTH tech look at the engine, you're going to end up with a pile of smoking parts if things keep going this way.

That's what I plan to do.

The triple repeat was Orrin's copy and paste error. What I actually DID to the engine was what I stated in my email to him and told him this morning. Helping a friend because my layout has a ZW-C, with bell and whistle buttons,  to get it out of this locked mode.   

If shorts, or high current in a direction that usually means a shorted motor, motor lead or binding of the drive train.  Since it ran fine to start, just in reverse, and Bill just unlocked it, not sure why it would have just started shorting.  So check for motor binding.  Traction tire come off?? G

I hope to have time to check for that this weekend.  Otherwise off to Sommerfeld,s trains in January.  Their repair guy is booked solid.