MTH Fire Station 30-9136 problem

[Anonymous]

Just picked this up over the weekend, and it worked great when first wired up.  Then I noticed a 4"x1.5" metal piece lying awkwardly toward the back of the fire engine bay that was being backed over by the truck as it moved in and out.  It was lightly held down with double-sided tape and had chunks of hot glue at each end, but only the tape held it down.  Not sure of its original position.

I removed it and all continued to work fine, except that now the interior light won't light and the bay light won't light on activation as it should.  The pole light works on activation.  Even when the interior lights (connectors D&E) are connected to their own xformer, I still don't get light from them. 

 Yes, I tried to put the piece back, but I cannot see anything that it would be providing connectivity to, and cannot believe that it was designed to be where it was positioned.

 Would it be too odd to think that two bulbs went that quickly? 

 If someone has this unit, can you tell me where this metal piece may have come from and perhaps know what its point in life would be?

 Just a little frustrated that it worked once, and I may have already screwed something up.  I'll give MTH a call later this week, but was hoping I could figure this out.

 Thanks to anyone that might be able to assist...

 

[fjerome]

was it new?


i had one that had serious problems out of the box and it was replaced. if this was new, then you should be thinking about sending it back.

[Anonymous]

Ok, I figured it out.  As I thought, it was me.  Had a bad crimp on the lights cable connector.   All is well.

 Still wish I knew where the metal plate belongs.  It must have had a purpose... 

 Thanks!

[fifedog]

Shorty - My MTH firehouse does not have that metal strip.  That may be a piece from up inside.  I would still call MTH and get their opinion.  I've actually had to send my firehouse to Columbia, MD when it jammed open.  Mike's fixed it quickly and it has been operating smoothly ever since.

[Anonymous]

Fifey - Thanks for the feedback.  I spoke with MTH and they said to leave it out.  Apparently this is not uncommon.  Apparently it was attached to the top of the circuit board, but it didn't do a whole lot...