I had my RailKing SW1500 PS 2 engine in storage for several years with the battery removed. I tried to recharge the battery in my external battery charger, and even though I am sure the battery was completely discharged, the battery charger said it was charged and clicked off. I tried several MTH MTH 8.4 v batteries in my charger and none would charge, so I installed one of the batteries in the engine so I could recharge the battery on the track.
To my surprise, the engine started right up and everything seemed to work fine with the dead battery. After running her on the layout for a couple hours, I shut her down and left her on the track with the transformer set at 18 VAC to re-charge the battery. The next day, I attempted to start the engine and it was completely dead, no sounds, no lights, no movement. Additionally, at some point (I am not sure when) the 6-amp circuit breaker on my layout would pop when I advanced the throttle past about half way. I cannot reset the engine because the remote cannot find the engine on the track.
I thought the battery might be the cause of the problem so I replaced it with another battery and the engine still pops the circuit breaker. I cannot find any shorted wires and there were no pinched wires. I tried wiggling the wires with the shell off while the engine was powered on the track, but it still pops the CB.
I suspect the electronics are fried, but I thought I would check the forum for any possible checks I can do.
Any suggestions?
Thanks...
Earl Staley