VL Niagara Problem.

are u sure you did not over fill smoke units? I purchased same engine with no issues except stopped and started and which problem was addressed on this forum about installing battery in case of power  interruptions on railsounds board!

Alan, he clearly stated he put in the recommended amount of smoke fluid.  Just because one example ran, that doesn't mean others don't have an issue, surely we've learned that by now!

Sounds like it is running conventional and not CAB2; can you check your 990 Command connections?

Thanks RICK, I'm going down to play trains for the night I will check.

Hey, Guys

We have sold over 30 of these engines and we have had no issues with any of them.

That have been reported.  Some boxes may be closed until Christmas.

Happy New Year.

PATSTRAINS posted:

Hey, Guys

We have sold over 30 of these engines and we have had no issues with any of them.

Pat, just curious, do you know how many Niagara’s were produced by Lionel?

The erratic control and speeding down the tracks sounds like a possible bad board or board issue.  Assuming you command connections are connected and function as they should.  Haven't really heard of any electronic issues with these as of yet.

Engine speeding down the track and smoke unit operating without activating it, in my experience at least, usually indicates that the engine is not getting a proper Legacy/TMCC signal. This can be caused by:

1. The antenna wire coming from the R4LC (I think that's what it's called) board is not connected or is faulty in some way. This is easy to check for and usually easy to fix. On a steam engine, the antenna wires are usually connected to the handrails on either side of the boiler. 

2. The R4LC board is faulty in some way or is not connected properly.

3. The Legacy/TMCC signal going to the track is faulty in some way. If you've got other Legacy/TMCC engines that work properly on the same stretch of track while this one doesn't work properly, you can rule this out.

Of course, this is all just in my personal experience and opinion. But it's a place to start at least.

Thanks,

Eric Siegel

Hi GUYZ,

  I did a reboot of the module in the Cab2 and it is definitely in Legacy mode.  Ran my R&N Pacific on same track no problems, with signal.  Ran three other Legacy engines on my three loops no problems.  I have tried to re program the engine, but as soon as power is put to track it takes off.  Even tried different tracks same result.  Calling Lionel in the morning.

Hi Laz 

see my video 

Alex, is the shell on the Vision Line mounted like the CCII Niagaras? They appear to be identical save the thicker apron and different gearbox.

Pete

ericstrains.com posted:

Engine speeding down the track and smoke unit operating without activating it, in my experience at least, usually indicates that the engine is not getting a proper Legacy/TMCC signal. This can be caused by:

1. The antenna wire coming from the R4LC (I think that's what it's called) board is not connected or is faulty in some way. This is easy to check for and usually easy to fix. On a steam engine, the antenna wires are usually connected to the handrails on either side of the boiler. 

2. The R4LC board is faulty in some way or is not connected properly.

3. The Legacy/TMCC signal going to the track is faulty in some way. If you've got other Legacy/TMCC engines that work properly on the same stretch of track while this one doesn't work properly, you can rule this out.

Of course, this is all just in my personal experience and opinion. But it's a place to start at least.

Thanks,

Eric Siegel

Eric, these engines have the RCMC and not the R4LC.  Anything made after about 2010 has the new board set.

WOW THANK YOU ALEX!!!  Man that does make sense to me.  I will still await to see what Lionel wants me to do but I will mention this to them.  I don't want to void the warranty. 

Alex, thanks for the info; never knew what the RCMC looked like; it's bigger than I imagined; had Mike R. replace one in my Big Boy.

One question: I see a lot of what looks like plug sockets on the board where I think it receives its input/outputs to various locations; seeing that, if one was to replace an RCMC, is there still soldering involved?

Rick, remember that the RCMC now has to do the motor drive, multiple smoke units, as well as many additional outputs for more lighting features, etc.  Given all the extra stuff crammed in there, it's a pretty reasonable size.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Rick, remember that the RCMC now has to do the motor drive, multiple smoke units, as well as many additional outputs for more lighting features, etc.  Given all the extra stuff crammed in there, it's a pretty reasonable size.

Yep, I hear you GRJ; other than the PCB board for a smoke unit, I never took a look at all the other boards in a locomotive.

Norton posted:

Alex, is the shell on the Vision Line mounted like the CCII Niagaras? They appear to be identical save the thicker apron and different gearbox.

Pete

Hi Pete 

actually couldn’t remember so I went back into my pictures and found these. This she’ll comes off quite easy just 4 screws and lift off the top. 

RickM46 posted:

Alex, thanks for the info; never knew what the RCMC looked like; it's bigger than I imagined; had Mike R. replace one in my Big Boy.

One question: I see a lot of what looks like plug sockets on the board where I think it receives its input/outputs to various locations; seeing that, if one was to replace an RCMC, is there still soldering involved?

With this newly designed board it’s pretty much unplug and plug in. There’s no soldering involved. The dangerous part is the smaller antenna control board with 4 pins on one side and 3 on the other , it’s the most fragile board I’ve ever worked with 

Alex 

Thanks Alex, I am saving this thread in my maintenance collection!!

laz1957 posted:

WOW THANK YOU ALEX!!!  Man that does make sense to me.  I will still await to see what Lionel wants me to do but I will mention this to them.  I don't want to void the warranty. 

Laz it’s only 4 screws and you can gently lift off the top and take a look. Sometimes shipping there and back might be worse than taking a look yourself. Two trips usually equal damage. 

Alex 

Thanks ALEX.

Good to know Alex. Looks a lot easier than the CC version. Mine will be coming off for repainting.

Pete

Alan, he clearly stated he put in the recommended amount of smoke fluid.  Just because one example ran, that doesn't mean others don't have an issue, surely we've learned that by now!  GRJ

well John I have heard that someone put too much smoke fluid and damaged the RCMC board that's why I mentioned it!! he did say it  smoked  very much  !!!!!!!!!!!!! !

Hi GUYZ,

Here is an update on my VL Niagara.

  Just got my Grey VL Niagara back from Lionel and they had to replace the RCMC board.  They said they replaced it ran it for two hours all is good.  I ran it for half hour all is good two.  Smokes up a storm now.  Thanks YUZ GUYZ for all your help on this matter and also Lionel for doing a good job getting this back to me.