Replacing MTH Automatic Pantographs

Are you sure there automatic?? I thought only the Premiere line had them.

Here are the features for the number you posted.

milwrd posted:

Are you sure there automatic?? I thought only the Premiere line had them.

Here are the features for the number you posted.

• Colorful Paint Scheme
• Metal Chassis
• Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
• (2) Precision Flywheel Equipped Motors
• Intricately Detailed Die-Cast Body
• Die-Cast Truck Sides & Pilots
• Directionally Controlled Headlights
• (2) Remotely Controlled Proto-Couplersr
• Metal Handrails and Decorative Horn
• Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments
• Proto-Sound 2.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring: Passenger Station Proto-Effects
• Unit Measures:15" x 2 5/8" x 4"
• Operates On O-31 Curves

Yes, I'm sure. This is a new feature to PS3 Railking GG1s.

The center post should latch on the spring clip.  Look at the one attached.  Make sure you have the panto closed so the tabs are in close together and that the moving blocks are out far enough that tabs go in the open space.  When the blocks come together it pulls the tabs together and lowers the pantographs.  G

Thank you for the help. I was able to get it back on but it appears I have an issue with the pantograph. Once I put it back in, it will not go up and down. I moved in back and forth while shining a flash light in the slots for the levers and don't see anything moving. I hear the buzz of the motor but no movement inside. I will take it in to the train store and have them check it out. 

If you remove that panto again and operate it until the pantos should be up the blocks should be retracted out.  Reinstall panto while holding it in the down position and try again.  G

If the pantograph still fails to work after being installed correctly, the most likely suspect is the belt.  As it happens, a 3/4" grommet with 3/32 thickness from my Harbor Freight 91506 O-Ring Assortment is the perfect fit.

I am dealing with nonfunctioning operating pantographs on a new to me, used, RailKing GG1, 30-5117-1. Is there a source to review for this repair? I don't see a resolution from Villager, as he hasn’t posted since 10/16. Thanks.

A vast majority of the time, the operating pans just need a new belt.

I have an MTH RailKing Amtrak GGI with the operating pantographs. I really enjoy watching that feature operate when the locomotive changes directions, and I have been luck enough to not have experienced any problems with operation thus far. Pretty cool feature!

Thx, John. That entails removing the shell, or can the belt be emplaced on the outside, and dropped in attached to the pantograph?

The belt is inside, you have to remove the pantograph mechanism from the shell and replace the belt.  The belt is actually a rubber O-ring of the proper size.