Toasted Scale Polar Express

Did you open the shell and check for any shorted wires? Check the boards for damage? If the coupler smoked that's probably dead at a minimum....

Yeah, no visible damage to the board, at least the top portion.  I did not remove it.  I have a few spare couplers in stock.  I noticed it wouldn't release last year with my 15 car consist, but I chalked that up to the length of the train.  I can pop one on and retest.  

Does it have sound and just the coupler isn't working?  A new coupler won't bring back the sound if it's dead.

Before that, I would check very carefully for an exposed wire somewhere. Things just don’t smoke without a short. Good luck. Keep us posted.

@MartyE posted:

Does it have sound and just the coupler isn't working?  A new coupler won't bring back the sound if it's dead.

LOL. Yeah, but it looks like the coupler is activated through the sound board.

@Volphin posted:

LOL. Yeah, but it looks like the coupler is activated through the sound board.

OK.  I wasn't sure if the sounds were there or not.

Just an update for those interested: A new sound board did the trick.  I have no idea why the old one failed, all connections were solid, no pinched wires, no shorts in the circuit.  I can find no damage anywhere on the board, even with my magnifiers.  Not knowing WHY disturbs me greatly.  You should be able to pinpoint the failure. The old board had sockets coming loose so I'm chalking it up to Monday production syndrome.  The board itself was always a little flaky by not maintaining power without battery backup. Suspected board component failure, but I'm not going to waste my time troubleshooting a R&R part.  I also had to order another 10K Ω pot as well.  You KNOW in your gut there's been an issue if Lionel has superseded a part number.