Running Proto sounds 2 engines on a conventional track

Is the TIU still in circuit or removed?  

When trying to run conventionally, I have found if the engine sits there silent when powering up, it saw the DCS signal.  If I interrupt the power (like hitting the direction button for the track ) while they are still quiet with track powered, they fire up in neutral with the sounds coming on and function conventionally.

Both TIU's no longer emit the DCS signal. Input 1 is dead on both. My hand held remote is also not functioning, but that's a separate issue. The wheel has never worked properly and now doesn't work at all. Power to the track is supplied through the remaining outputs of the malfunctioning TIU's. I'm planning on reinstalling my Lionel vintage power controllers, that were used for TMCC before the DCS upgrade in 2006. 

If the TIU is still in the circuit, and the engines don’t make a sound when the voltage is applied for to the track, I would think the DCS signal is present.

I do not see what advantage there is in leaving the  tiu in the circuit if the remote doesn’t work with it.

I would suggest removing the TIU  temporarily and jumper the track leads directly to the transformer to prove the DCS signal is really not there and that the engines behave the same when power is applied with it out of the circuit (not connected to any part of the layout).

If you plan to run conventionally through the TIU and you are able to communicate through the remote to the TIU, there is setting for the tracks that can disable the DCS signal from being sent as well. If that is not disabled, and there is possibly a working channel on the TIU producing the DCS signal, it could be potentially back feeding to other parts of the layout might explain some of this.

Use your transformer, when you first apply power only the headlight will come on. In 5 or 6 seconds the sound will start up, when they do then push the reverse button once, it will then start in forward. Operate as normal.

Dave