K-Line GG1 Problem

[Anonymous]

Tried running my K-Line Club GG1 using a loop of MTH RealTrax and the MTH remote control unit. Nothing happened at first, then the GG1 took off at a frenetic pace and did about a half of the loop before stopping. No other signs of life after that. I e-mailed K-Line tech support. A nice lady called and after hearing my problem said the GG1 is not compatible with the MTH remote. Is this right? Do I need to buy a conventional transformer to run K-Line or other makers equipment? Or is there a problem with the GG1? This was the first run out of the box so I hate to send it off for warranty repairs if the problem is the MTH power unit. Any help is appreciated.
PCP
PCP

[Anonymous]

Which MTH remote are you using? There are three: one is an infrared cordless controller that comes with starter sets, another is the "Remote Commander" that works with an MTH Z-4000 transformers, and the third is the new MTH DCS (Digital Command System) remote.

All three should work with any K-Line locomotive, although since your GG1 does not have any receiver to hear the DCS signal, it would need to be operated in conventional mode using the DCS controller. (If your GG1 has TMCC inside, it could be operated with the DCS controller, but that's a side story.)

The K-Line phone rep. was probably thinking of operating the GG1 in DCS command mode, in which case she is correct and the locomotive would shoot off like a rocket since it would immediately receive 18 volts of power. But even if that was the case, the GG1 should not be damaged other than if it fell off the track and onto the floor.

Did you test the track with another locomotive besides the GG1?

Sincerely,
Neil Besougloff
editor, Classic Toy Trains

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply, Neil. I have the basic train set remote, the 75-watt with Z 750 transformer. I did not test another loco on the track. I'll set up another loop and try again using another engine as well and report back what happens.
Best regards,
Patrick

[Anonymous]

Duh!
You think all my time spent working on cars would've taught me to look at the basics first. Guess I was just to eager to get that loco running. Turns out the track was dirty! My MTH loco sputtered and exhibited similar symptoms until I polished off the track surface. GG-1 runs great, just looks a bit funky negotiating the 0-31 curves. I love it anyhow and the green Pennsy passenger coaches I got to match. Thanks for restoring my faith in K-Line.
Best regards,
Patrick

[Anonymous]

O-31 curves are nothing - you should see it handle O27 curves and Marx switches - definitely cool!

Too bad it doesn't have a horn.

[Anonymous]

YOU COULD ALWAY UP-GRADE THE "GG1".......