The two biggest changes I noticed with the upgrade microchip are the improved slow speed control and better whistle sound. The engine will now start to move on speed step 1 of 128, and the whistle is not as shrill and irritating as it was previously. With the original microchip, I had to turn the whistle volume rather low to keep it from sounding too raspy. I have it turned back up now and the sound is much better.
One strange change that I have not been able to figure out yet is with the backup light. With the previous microchip, a red light on the upper left corner of the tender lit up when the locomotive was placed into reverse; now the white backup light comes on. None of this is explained in the documentation that came with the engine or in the QSI Technical Reference Manual, but it probably has something to do with a CV setting.
I removed the front weight from the tender a couple of years ago after reading the tip on Tony's web site, but I didn't put any cotton in the tender. With the new microchip, you'll probably need to remove the cotton if you used it.
I lubricated all moving parts with Dexron III Automatic Transmission FLuid while I had it on the workbench. Dexron is about all I use for all lubrication tasks now where a light weight oil is called for.
Hi Crandell,
Another bit of advice, when You remove the cover on the bottom, only remove one axle at a time and be careful to put it back in the same way it came out. If You turn an axle end for end you will end up getting a short. A LITTLE dab of oil on each side of the journal will do wonders. I beleive that the spring in the middle of the journal surface is just for electrical contact, not for any suspesion purposes, the axles just ride on that plastic surface, which is why some will squeak to high heaven when dry.
Doug
May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails
Doug, you make a good point, and one that I follow with each engine I purchase. It was just that, in this case, the fellow supplying his impression for the Tony's readers' feedback/reviews section felt that the weight was unnecessary due to the already heavy diecast construction. I didn't know the difference, but I do agree in retrospect. I just performed all the mods he suggested thinking he probably was onto an improvement in the model. I have the weight still, and will probably shape it and add it to something else that needs it. Come to think of it, the Allegheny from Rivarossi could use that up front in the tender. I'll see about it.
The Lionel is a most reliable engine, smooth as you say, and is a joy.
-Crandell
Hi, a minor hijack of this thread, If you are removing the lead weight out of the tender to increase it's pulling capacity, I have another suggestion for you. Again, with the tender, remove the cover over the 5 axle rigid bed, and give each journal a small drop of oil, I use either Labelle 102 or 107, I like the 102 better, but either will make a noticeable improvement. I did my first one just to quiet down the squeaking that many have new, due to these journals being dry.
I have a VERY LARGE collection of the Lionel HO Challengers, they are my all time Favorite HO Locomotive. I do this to each one before it ever touches track now. They could use traction tires to improve pulling capacity, but they are VERY SMOOOOTH runners, when properly oiled and broken in.
Click pic to Enlarge.
Chuck, would you please let us know your impressions once you have played with it for a bit?
Also, did you read the review and tips at Tony's about this engine? Did you follow up? I did remove the rather heavy block weight up front of the tender and I did add cotton to the tender to try to improve the sound. I can't really say it made a heck of a lot of difference, but I haven't bothered to undo it all, either.
You can get it at Tony's Trains or where ever and the number is:
Quantum Upgrade Chip -LIO - ho402 - Challenger
The LIO is for lionel, its an easy install, 4 screws on the tender then extract the old chip then add the new. You will put it on the track and it will toot three times or yell "reset" in voice mode.
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/qsi_solutions_main.htm