new lionel mopac gp20 problems.

[the nitro man]

i bought a lionel gp20 6-28500 new just a few days ago. i put it on the track & applied power. the e unit cycles into nuetral about 3-4 times before it cycled into reverse. every time when i first begin to run it, i have to cycle the power 3-5 times before it takes reverse. if i stop the train for a few minutes without power, i have to cycle the power all over again. in other word it takes direction like this, neutral-neutral-neutral-reverse-neutral-forward. it is all out of wack. then if thats not bad enough, some times when it cycles into neutral the bell or horn will come on by itself.

have any of you had any of these problems with the new lionel products?

it is defective isn't it?

[ben10ben]

What type of transformer are you using to power it? Certain transformers, namely the new CW-80, can have problems dropping the voltage all the way down to zero to allow the engine to cycle. The fix is to wire a lightbulb across the circuit somewhere, such as in the form of a lighted lockon or illuminated car.

[the nitro man]

i'm using a mth z-500 transformer. this is the only engine that gives me any trouble. the caboose is lighted, & it goes out when cycled, so the transformer shouldn't be the trouble. i think it's just china's best work. i've heard several people complain about their china made lionel products.

[ChiefEagles]

Get them to replace it. Good luck. Had a Williams that was like that. Williams fixed it with not problem.

[1688torpedo]

Nitro- Just take the Electronics out and put in a Mechanical E-Unit and wire it to the Pullmor. No more Problems then. This is what I would do.Don't agonize over it any longer. Not worth it.