Lionel Dockside Switcher Reversing Unit

[Simbo69]

I have a Lionel Dockside Switcher and I really like it.  Pulls great, small size, good looking.  I have been running it with the reversing unit locked out so it will start in forward after a power down.  In my layout, there is a section of track that is dead until activated by an oncoming train.  With multiple trains on the same track, a train hits the dead section and 'parks' until another train is overtaking it, then it moves out and the second train parks.  I noticed yesterday that the Dockside Switcher was not responding to the activation.  Upon further investigation, I found it had powered up in neutral.  Has anyone seen this before?  Should I take it in to have the Reversing Unit checked out?

[servoguy]

Did you turn the engine upside down? If you did, the E relay will advance one position. Bruce Baker

[servoguy]

If you want to use the E relays, and still have the loco stop, you can put a resistor across the contacts that remove the power from the center rail. The resistor needs to be large enough that the train won't move but small enough that the E relay stays energized. It is going to dissipate some power, so don't get a 1/8 watt resistor. Also, make sure the resistor doesn't burn anything. I think Bob Nelson had a post about this some time ago. Bruce Baker

[msacco]

docksider has an electronic eunit. NO Drum and Pawl. This happened to mine while under warranty. they put in a new board to fix it. Out of warranty will cost you. Mike s.

[Simbo69]

 Thanks!  I was thinking of that but had been cautioned because of heat.  The train basically stalls at something under 5 volts to the track.  This doesn't hurt the motor?  Also, the way I created the dead section of track was to deprive it of ground.  This was so a simple isolated track could feed it ground and avoid using a relay.  Would a resistor work on the ground side?  Anyway, I did not know the e-unit would reset if I turned the unit upside down.  Could be the cause.

[Simbo69]

 Thanks.  So the Docksider has a different e-unit from my other Lionels.  That could be it as well.  I'm going to get it out and put it though its paces as a switcher - manually switching F-N-R and back.   If that works fine I think I'll try the resistor solution. 

[rtraincollector]

Simbo69

 Anyway, I did not know the e-unit would reset if I turned the unit upside down.  Could be the cause.

No it won't unless you have a post war type if you have the modern one it has electronic E-Unit so it won't reset it if you turn it upside down.