Lionel Hotbox Reefer

[GHD]

Referring to Bob's article in the Oct. edition on page 83 and Lionel's instructions, in the command mode you're supposed to hit Train and then the cars ID#. How does the car get an ID# or how do you determine what it is? There is no program switch on this car like an engine. I have one of the first cars out and Lionel techs couldn't help me with this.Did Lionel come out with an improved version? I am getting ready to place an order with THE ELECTRIC RR CO. for hardware to modify the car for remote on/off control. Looking for help.

[luther_stanton]

Interesting.  I have this car - it is a neat peice of rolling stock.  When I got it I read through the manual briefly and then it was off to the layout.  Of course the manual got cast aside .  Since I have been running it for the past few months, I did not think that you could turn it off.  I probably read it in the instructions and forgot about it - probably thinking "Why would you want to turn it off!"  But it does go off pretty frequently and shutting it down would be nice.

I just downloaded a copy of the instruction manual from Lionel's site.  It says to push the TR button and then the horn / whistle.  TR is TRack power, not train (which would be ENG), i.e., the TPC, PowerMaster or ZW in command mode. 

It also looks like you can also hold the whistle for 8 seconds which will also turn the car off.

- Luther

[iguanaman3]

Despite what the manual says, the hotboxes have no command receiver and won't respond to any TMCC signals. You need to install the Electric RR upgrade to turn it off or on in command.

Neil

[GHD]

Thanks Neil,

That was my understanding as well. I wonder how Bob from CTT got it to work in the command control mode as he describes. I'm using a 5906 button to control mine now. I have a large layout which uses both the DCS and TCC systems. I'm looking for maximum flexibility. I guess it's the Electric RR upgrade. Oh well. 

[chuck]

As long as you are using a Command Controllable power supply (aka a Modern ZW, PowerMaster, or a TPC), you can use the CAB-1 to issue the conventional command (via TRack commands) to access the hot box features.

[msacco]

It's funny that this has come up. I'm anxiously awaiting delivery of my NYC hotbox that I purchased for a nice price off off ebay.

    FRom what I've heard you must use the TR and then the power supply #1-4 to get it to respond.

I have a new zw and Cab 1 but I operate conventionally so I hope not to have a problem.

ANyone know for sure?

 

Mike S.

[Buckeye Riveter]

As long as you are using a Command Controllable power supply (aka a Modern ZW, PowerMaster, or a TPC), you can use the CAB-1 to issue the conventional command (via TRack commands) to access the hot box features.

I have all of the necessary items described above, and as of yet been able to have the Hot Box Reefer perfom as described in the owners manual using the CAB-1.  Somewhere I read that the instruction manual was incorrect...maybe on another forum????  Not sure where, but after hearing the "rumor"  about the use of the command system, I didn't bother to  try it again.

After reading Bob's article, I was wondering how he got it to work. 

BTW, I had to send my first Hot Box Reefer back to Lionel and they sent me a new reefer.  The sound completely stopped working after only a few runs.  

 

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

Ditto on the cab 1 remote access, no luck at all.  I can shut it down with the 8 second whistle from the transformer, but this only shuts down the sound and led, smoke keeps going.  Is this normal?  The car is kinda cool, but for all the electronics packed into this car you'd think it would be capable to operate more random than every 30 seconds!

Rich F.

[RR Redneck]

I finally got one! The lights, the smoke, the sounds, they are all great. I love the thing.

[lmsjim]

I just installed the Electric Railroad Co hotbox kit and it works great. Very easy to install and being able to turn the car off and on at will is a great feature. I plan to upgrade other cars the same way. Highly recommend it.

Jim

[zwbob]

I just got the santa fe one saturday and had no luck shutting it off with the cab-1 like the manual says. Ordered ERR board saturday afternoon.

[zwbob]

I put the board in last night. Much better operation.To bad the total cost of car and board is so high, but what isn't in any hobby.

 

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

Can you give me info on the (aftermarket?) board you talk about?  Is there a website?  The car would be much more enjoyable if I didn't have to blast a horn for 8 seconds to turn on and off.

Thanks,

Rich F.

[lmsjim]

The Electric RailRaod Co is at http://www.electricrr.com/
Look under Op Car Kits

Jim

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

Thanks Jim.  I managed to find the site and ordered the kit.  Hopefully it won't be hard for me to install.

Rich F.

[luther_stanton]

I usually run my around the layout a few times to handle a few "emergencies" and then put it back in the yard.  That gives me a little additional switching action and a distraction from the main line running.  I often run it with my operating ice cars so the switching is combined with a run to the icing platform as well.

- Luther