K-Line Plymouth Won't Reverse

[gottcent]

Hey gang,

   After about two years of faithful service, my K-Line Plymouth switcher won't go in reverse any more. Forward is fine, but no reverse. I suspect I've blown out some small chip or PC circuit. Anyone else have this problem, or, more important, anyone else have success with a repair? If you have any advice about instructions, what part(s) I might need, and where those parts might be found, I'll appreciate it. Thanks.

                                                                                 John Gottcent

[hopper]

John, just before K-LINE folded,my started set pacific did the samr thing. I had a fax number for custmer service at K-line & asked them what to do. They gave me an address. I packed it up,sent it via post office,& got it back fixed in 10 days,no charge. I guess I got in just under the freeze. There is a circuit board that I guess had to be replaced. I hope I get 2 years out of mine before it goes bad again.  Hopper  

[csxt30]

I believe you can get a new electronic reverse unit from Lionel or Digital Dynamics, or Train America Studios. Not sure of the price, but these mentioned above all have web sites that you may be able to check for.

Hope this helps !

Thanks, John

[jefelectric]

I realy doubt if anyone elses reverse board will fit the plymouth, never had mine apart but it has got to be a tight fit inside.

[RR Redneck]

That is one of the reasons that I never buy K-Line. I have had quality problems with them, from anything as small as distortion in the sound quailty to major problems like the train just for no reason stopping in the middle of an operating session.

[otftch]

Try putting a lighted caboose or passenger car on the track.I've had K-lines do this and a lighted car solves the problem.Not really sure why,but it has something to do with resistance.If it works you can add a light bulb to the circuit anywhere and it will work.It will not affect anything else.

                                                                                          Ed

[gottcent]

Thanks for the lighted caboose tip. I tried it, though, and it didn't work for me. Still forward only. Anyone know whether Lionel is stocking replacement parts for the Plymouth? I notice they're still offering the engine in their latest catalog, so maybe parts will still be available?

                                                                                       John

 

[phillyreading]

This may help!  Hook up jumper wires from a transformer to the K-Line engine(should be on the floor or a table not on the track) and throw the reverse switch at low speed or give it power a few times and throw the reverse switch to see what it does.  That worked on a Williams F7 for me.

Take the cover off and check the wiring connections, push in on the small connectors, look for rust if any and clean up if needed.

Lee F.

[gottcent]

Thanks for the jumper wire tip. I tried it, though, and it didn't work. Haven't taken the cover off yet. That's an awfully small engine and I'm a little nervous about tampering with it until all other options are exhausted. BTW--I did write to Lionel asking if they supply parts for the Plymouth switcher (which still appears in their latest catalog). Here's what they replied. (Sounds to me like we're stuck.)

Sorry, we not selling k-Line parts and do not do any

service on their products. The only k-Line products that

we will service under warranty are the K-line products

built by Lionel which are listed in our current Lionel

catalog volume 2, 2006. Try going to a K-line super

store as listed on the back to their old catalog's.

Lionel Tech Support

 

[phillyreading]

gottcent,

There may be a problem with going to a K-Line Super Store, they may not exist! Call first to see if the store still exists.

I am some what surprized by Lionel's answer but not shocked!  I have had dealings with Lionel in the past 15 years and to say the least it was not to my benefit, re; 6-23011 O gauge switch-the center piece that directs the locomotive acted up on me & Lionel repair shops refused to ackwoledge any problem at all.

Lee F.