When TMCC stops running.....

Can you post the model number?  Sounds like the RS in the tender survived.  Some have the R2LC in the engine.  If damaged it can be swapped out.  Does it work in conventional mode?  G

Many times when you have a derailment you also get a voltage spike. QSI did a report years ago that indicated that transformers could actually produce a spike of 80-90 volts more than enough to fry most electronics in modern engines. Voltage spikes can also be produced when roller pickups don't make complete contact with the center rail.

The original MTH/QSI boards were designed to withstand only 35 volts before damage and Lionel boards 50 volts.

It would be highly recommended to install transient voltage suppressors on all outputs of the transformer so that in the event a voltage spike is produced it will be safely routed to ground thus preventing damage to the electronics. There have been many posts on this issue so I'd suggest you do a search and read up on them.

I also install a TVS diode in each locomotive and/or tender right across the pickups.  This happens whenever I have to open one up for another reason.

Does it move in conventional mode?  I agree with the previous posts, a likely suspect it the R2LC with the odd behavior of the whistle and coupler.

Once again, OGR shows it has the folks who know. Thank you all for your comments.

GGG: This Hudson is from 1999, 6-28008. 

In conventional mode now, it does not move, nor does the headlight illuminate. the red firebox light does illuminate.

Trainman9: I did the search as you suggest. I had no idea about this issue!  It does sound to me like the locomotive did get a big voltage burst, hence the brighter sparking than I'd seen before. 

gunrunnerjohn: I think I will get a TMCC Direct Lockon. For now, I will only run conventional locomotives until I have more protection available. 

All: I am unclear as to the relationship for running of locomotive and tender. Should the locomotive run by itself without the tender connected, when all is normal?

Fortunately I live close to an Authorized Lionel Dealer, with a good guy for repairs. I'll try to drop the locomotive by tomorrow.

Some of you (GGG, gunrunner) may remember some time ago when I was having questions about adding sound to an older model TMCC GG1. I am happy to report that Boxcar Bill lived up to his reputation and I now have the full Railsounds and TMCC control on it.

I don't have a video of it yet, but here's the photo.

B&OBill

Most of the steamers with the TMCC motor driver in the locomotive will run stand-alone, just very quietly.  The tether to the tender is just to supply power, the RailSounds serial feedm, and the electrocoupler.

I have several of the 28000 series engines.  The firebox gets light from track power.  The engine can run by itself.  Sounds like the R2LC may have been damaged.  4 screws and you can take the shell off the engine.   Did the train roller over or just derail?  Maybe something loose, but most likely replacing the R2LC would fix it.  Do you have one you can swap in?  G

Good morning GGG,  Only a derail, no roll-over. I may remove those 4 screws and see what I see first.

No, I do not have any extra R2LC's.  Oh, wait, I have the one that was originally in the GG1, that Boxcar Bill sent back after he upgraded and added sound. I'll look and see if it is the same.

B&OBill

An R2LC of C08 or later should work.  They're actually pretty common, if you have a spare, that's a thing to try.

THe GG-1 I believe is the early one with just an LCRU, so that won't work.  G

There's good news today. Bryan at Klein's found, as many of you on here suggested, that the problem was indeed the electronics. With replacement, the C&O "Baby Hudson" is running well. I also invested in a TMCC Direct Lockon so that I can avoid similar problems in the future. Thanks to all of you for your good advice!

B&OBill

Excellent. Glad it's up and running.