Defective K-Line (Lionel) new Erie-Lackawanna RS-3 locomotive?

[Plankowner110]

 I just received the new K-Line by Lionel Erie-Lackawanna RS-3 TMCC w/Railsounds locomotive that I ordered from one of the major advertisers in the train magazines. I can't seem to get it to operate correctly. The engine will go only a few inches before it stops and then will not receive any more commands. No whistle, no bell, no change in direction- it just sits there with the motor idling.

I assigned a new engine ID# and reset the switch from program to run. I also reset the engine to Lionel default settings, but it still does not work. I am an experienced TMCC user and all my other Lionel TMCC engines work fine.

I have never purchased a K-Line before. Have there been problems with the circuitry on these? I thought I would ask you before I contact the store to return it.

Thanks for your advice,
Plankowner110

[Seayakbill]

On my previous layout I had problems with two TMCC locos that would lose the TMCC signal at certain places on the layout. The culprit was a center mainline with mainlines on both sides. No matter what I tried these two locos would come to a stop at that location. All my other TMCC locos would pass through with no problems. I eventually just revised the layout to eliminate the problem. Its just one of the quirkyness of the TMCC signal.

[sir james I]

Sounds like a signal loss, maybe the antenna is unplugged. just a thought.

Does it run conventional?

[Plankowner110]

I will try to run it conventional to see if it will at least run more than a couple of inches before stopping and electronics freeze up. The problem is not the layout configuration because right now there is only one large outer loop installed on my new layout (dismantled the old layout and redesigning.)

Thank you for the advice.

Bill

 

[Train-O]

Plankowner110,

One TMCC engine of mine has problems going over a FasTrack Control Section.
For whatever reason, it stops dead, no power!
When, I move the engine manually to another section of track, like magic, it runs perfectly with all of it's functions.

On this FasTrack Control Sec. I have to increase the juice for some of the operating cars to function.
With the older tubeular Remote Control Sec. Track, no problems, no juice boost, all is well.

Me, thinks it has to do with the 'Uncouple' control button's return spring not being strong enough to reposition the internal contacts to prevent any short circuits.

When, I physically reposition the FasTrack button, to it's proper height, all works fine.

I hope you get your problems solved.

Ralph

 

[dougdagrump]

Plank, When it stalls does the headlight give you the flashing/blinking indicator of a signal issue ? If you hold your hand outstretched flat slightly above the engine does it respond to signals and headlight stop flashing ?

[Plankowner110]

 Early this morning I tried the suggestions all of you offered to no avail, so I called the tech advisor at the train store. It was agreed that I should return the locomotive. It's now in the hands of UPS. Thanks everyone.

 

Bill