I have come up with a solution to this problem (read the last post)
Last November, I bought an MTH ProtoSound 2.0 SW1500 switcher locomotive. I ran it with my Lionel 80-watt transformer (not the CW-80) and Lionel FasTrack, and it worked fine. This transformer was not on the list of compatible transformers for that engine, but it still worked fine. Then, right when I changed the track layout for Christmas, the engine's speed control just conked out for no reason. When it was working fine, the switcher would creep along and I was very pleased with it. But then it just sped around the loop of track at an alarming rate of speed, even when I put the transformer to the lowest possible power setting. I couldn't operate the horn or bell, or activate any of the locomotive's features. Re-setting the engine and turning speed control on/off did not work.
When I took the engine to my hobby store, they tested it out on their layout, and, sure enough, even though they had the MTH Z-4000 transformer and MTH track, the engine did the exact same thing. The hobby shop sent it back to MTH, where it was "repaired". When I finally got around to putting the loco on my track again today, it did the exact same thing it did at Christmastime. I am very disappointed. I was very excited that MTH was making a BNSF Evolution, but now I'm not sure I should even buy MTH trains, and Lionel doesn't even seem to care about making any BNSF anything, which is very unfortunate because all my Lionel engines work perfectly all the time. Does anyone know what the reason might be for why this engine doesn't work, or is it possible that I just got a dud?
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Bob, you are quite the schemer.
The MTH ProtoSounds 2.0 Locomotive most likely was set wrong by the transformer controls.
I have run several MTH P-S 2.0 Locos and have never encountered a problem except with sending the wrong commands using the transformer buttons.
Andrew
Watch my videos on-line at https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewNeilFalconer
I would not say they are junk, but hey are a little picky about where you run them. When the engine was returned, did you have the LHS test it on their layout again? The engine might have been fixed; but you could still have a problem on your layout. The CW-80 and PS2 engines really don't like each-other.
I had simular problems with my first PS2 engine. Same setup...Lionel CW-80 and fasttrack. I was advised to place a lightbulb somewhere on the layout. When I did that, all worked fine with the movement, but I still was not able to access some of the features using the horn and bell buttons with the CW-80. The next PS2 engine I bought blew the fuse in my CW-80. I then went out and bought an MTH Z1000 and have had no problems since.
So
1- Make sure the battery is charged (As someone else mentioned)2- Try placing a light bulb somewhere on your layout so that is powered by your track3- Try a different transformer.
Hope this helps...good luck.
Morning Fifedog:: I don't think Danny Webster was still around when the electric trains first appeared...Might be due time to add a few pages of "choice train words" to his book...OOfDa, might end up with a Webster-volume two.. This may be a job for Kalmbach!!!
darianj wrote: I would not say they are junk, but hey are a little picky about where you run them. When the engine was returned, did you have the LHS test it on their layout again? The engine might have been fixed; but you could still have a problem on your layout. The CW-80 and PS2 engines really don't like each-other.
I don't know whether it was tested when it returned or not. The transformer I'm trying to use it with now is an older, 80-watt transformer with a controller and 80-watt brick. I have tried using the CW-80 and the speed control seems to be okay, but then the horn starts blasting forever. I wonder if I should get a new transformer?
BDT in Minnesota wrote:Bob,, At this point, I would be tempted to go back to the Hobby Shop and see how your engine runs on the MTH transformer....I'd also try a new battery...??? some batteries do fail prematurely... keep us posted as to how this turns out... BDT
I would love to take it back to the hobby shop and test it out, but unfortunately it is in Des Moines...about two hours from where I live. The closest hobby shop to me, Hobby Chest in Ottumwa, IA, has RailKing items...I think they might have a loop of RealTrax, but not sure.
Just tested the engine on my CW-80 loop of FasTrack and it didn't work on it, either. It must be partly because of the transformer. The only other ones I have is another CW-80 and a Lionel 40-watt.
SchemerBob,
The best thing to do is to go buy the Z-1000 by MTH and have a PS-2 compatible transformer, most of your problems if not all should go away when using an MTH transformer for an MTH product.
I bought an expensive MTH Premeir line lococmotive and a Z-1000 transformer at the same time and have no problem with speed control or changing direction.
Lee F.
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
fifedog wrote:"entergizes"??? Honey, hand me the WEBSTER'S...
IF you don't have anything to say to help the poster, shut your trap!!!!!!!!!!!!
You should also check and see if you need to clean your track. If it has a blacken center rail, you should clean it off.
have you ever derailed your engine or in any other fashion shorted it out. this could also be a source of your problems.
BTW - I have many PS2 and PS1 engines, have not had this type of problems.
I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com
spankybird wrote: You should also check and see if you need to clean your track. If it has a blacken center rail, you should clean it off. have you ever derailed your engine or in any other fashion shorted it out. this could also be a source of your problems.BTW - I have many PS2 and PS1 engines, have not had this type of problems.
I am not pleased to say that I have never cleaned my FasTrack since I first got it in 2005. I did buy a Lionel Maintenance Kit, so I guess I'll get to work cleaning it, finally. I think I did derail and short out the locomotive once on a tubular track switch, but it wasn't going very fast.
Don
Bob Nelson
dbaker48 wrote: I BELIEVE the cause of the problem was due to excessive handling. Primarily due to connecting and disconnecting the teather. Keep in mind how small these wires are, I'm not sure but probably about 24 or 26 awg. It doesn't take much to create a weak connection at either the tender or engine. I actually talked to the service technician as to the corrective action on my engine. Now, handling is really minimized and I try not to put them on and off the track frequently.
Just what exactly is the teather wire, () and where would it be located on my switcher?
dbaker48 wrote:You are correct! Sure is easy to "read into" someone else's post a situation which will relate to your own experiences. Sorry about the misdirection.
That's okay. I can see now why that would be a problem on steam locomotives. As for my diesel switcher, I still don't know what really could be the cause of the problem. I really think it might be the un-compatible transformers, but not sure quite yet.
Bob,
Try the MTH Z-1000 transformer for your PS-2 loco. The brand of track should have nothing to do with how the loco porforms other than derailments, if your track is excessively dirty it can blow the whistle or horn at random without pressing the whistle or horn button.
If your problems still continue that is when I would take it back for further repair.
Sounds like you are using a Lionel CW-80(Can't Work=CW) as they have all sorts of problems. Most people don't like my suggestion for the CW-80 and that is to cut off the power cord and use it as a paper weight.
SchemerBob, break down and buy the Z1000!!!
phillyreading wrote: Sounds like you are using a Lionel CW-80(Can't Work=CW) as they have all sorts of problems. Most people don't like my suggestion for the CW-80 and that is to cut off the power cord and use it as a paper weight.SchemerBob, break down and buy the Z1000!!!Lee F.
Brent,
Sorry to step on toes about the CW-80 but I have heard or read more complaints about this transformer than any other product on the model railroad market today. The only CW-80's I have seen were in my local hobby shop awaiting repair or replacement. Any way 80 watts is very little power for today's trains.
The Z1000 is compatible with MTH loco's better than the Lionel transformer, and the breaker really has a short timer on it. I am powering two Williams SD-45's, when not running my T-1 Reading loco(4-8-4) by MTH, pulling about 20 heavy freight cars and a smoking caboose.
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