Erratic Lionel 3451 Log Dump Car

[IDM1991]

Earlier today, I purchased a Lionel 3451 log dump car, complete with trackside tray and remote control section of track, at our local train show.

When I got home from the show late this afternoon, I hooked up the four wires leading from the uncouple/unload controller to the RCS and attempted to operate the car.  After a few tries, it finally dumped its load once, then twice, then stopped.  When I press "unload," one of the couplers opens, but the car won't unload.  Pressing "uncouple" opens the coupler, of course (and halts the train, a la the reverse button on our KW), but the logs remain on the car, and don't go into the tray, as they should.  I should note that this same coupler became very hot, almost too warm to touch.

The RCS of track seems just fine; what might be the cause of my trouble?

Thank-you.

Ian D. McKechnie,

Lindsay, Ontario
Canada

[cwburfle]

When you press uncouple, only one couple opens?
When you press unload, only one couple opens.

You may have miswired your uncoupling track.

What happens if you turn the car around?

If the same couple opens, then the car might have a problem.

If you keep operating the couple again and again in a short period of time, it will get hot. The couples are designed for intermittent duty.

[IDM1991]

Apparently there was nothing wrong with either the car or the RCS of track.  Rather, I was simply not applying enough power to engage the unloading action.

Ian