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I had this locomotive for quite a few months and then something strange started to happen. The smoke unit would go off and on with no particular pattern, and then work for a few more runs without issue. I tried resetting but the problem didn't go away. Next, the amber lights below the headlight went off and the engine no longer responds to my CAB-1L controller. Railsounds run and the smoke unit runs too, just no remote response.  I took it to a local shop which doesn't really do repairs, just to have it tested. Next thing I know, TONS of electrical smoke... uh oh. I have a feeling something is very wrong, but I don't have the necessary parts to fix it. My guess would be the decoder went bad, or possibly the TMCC motherboard is shot. Sadly I don't really know anyone locally who will be able to work on it, and I'm... fairly attached to this engine. It's one of only 2 I have that use the CAB-1L controller. I'd hate to see it never run again, but I don't currently have the money or the parts to fix it. Anyone have any advice?

Thanks so much for your time

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KP,  do you have a decent camera, which can focus close, and know how to use it ?   If you do remove the body shell and make some close up pix of the inside of the loco. More photos be better.  Perhaps we can help you diagnose the problem.   Don't remove or disconnect any wiring let us see what's there first.  Have you had a derailment where one truck stayed on the track and the other truck came off the track ?  In that case often the center rail pickups will bridge between the center and the outside rail and burn the wiring between the pickup rollers and the motherboard, and perhaps the trace on the motherboard which connects them. Often when this has happened the wires and motherboard are the only damage.  Make us some photos.     BTW, did you purchase this loco new ?      J

Last edited by JohnActon

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