PS-2 Locomotive Won't Move

Engine has to be factory reset with the full DCS to run under the remote commander.

And if the set predates the remote commander, you better check the battery in the tender. A dead battery in conventional mode results in no movement, just start up.

IR Remote does not mean Remote CDR so there could be other things going on.  First what is the control method?  Second was battery good?  Play shutdown sounds when power turned  off?

If GS is using remote CDR, did you factory reset with DCS before giving to him?  As Chessie stated it must be on a factory reset ID number to work with the Remote CDR.  G

Just for clarity, this is the cheapie RailKing remote that MTH packs with the z500 block in the RTR sets and NOT the Z4000 remote. I'm not being difficult but I'm not following why the DCS reset is better than the 1 horn and 5 bell reset that the manual calls for with the RTR equipment but I'm willing to be convinced.  When he follows that procedure he does get the two toot confirmation. It's entirely possible that the battery has gone flat in the time that it was sitting so I'll have my son try a new battery.  

That engine has to be factory reset with full DCS for that engine to run with this remote. The address has to be zero when you add it to full DCS it changes the address.    

There are several different remotes MTH has used over the years, all IR and similar looking.  The DCS Remote above act like a mini DCS system, but only can address an engine on the Factory ID setting.   ONLY the DCS Factory reset resets the engine ID back to factory setting.  When you used it on you DCS System, it was assigned a different ID number, and the Remote CDR can't talk to the engine.  Your GS could use it conventionally.   Or with a full DCS System, but it needs the factory reset with DCS.  Conventional reset, does not do this.  If your engine is a newer set engine, it actually has code to do a factory reset with the CDR.  It would be in the manual, but it must be a newer engine after 2015 I believe.  G

I understand now. Thanks for explanations guys. Appreciate it.