Problem with MTH "shorty" Turbine

[Anonymous]

I bought this engine over a year ago on Ebay. It ran fine out of the box and then I let it set for a spell while redoing my layout. I run only conventional power, and am unfamiliar with PS1/2. When I took it off the shelf, the thing won't run. I know there is an easy fix, but this is my only MTH engine and I would like some help. Thanks.[:)]

[spankybird]

Try replacing the battery with a fully charged one.

[jonadel]

Dontrainman,

Tom is correct about replacing the battery but you might try just letting it sit in neutral on the track with the power turned up for at least 30 minutes. I have two PS 1 engines I rarely run and I force myself to do this exercise twice a year and it seems to work.

Jon

Let us know what worked.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help, I hope it's the running it in neutral thingee rathr than the new battery.....

[spankybird]

IF your battery is 4 years old or older, it needs to be replaced.

Is this a PS1 or PS2 engine [?]

[Anonymous]

PS2, but unless it sat on the shelf before it was sold, it is less than two years old. But I guess a new battery wouldn.t hurt. Thanks.

[wrmcclellan]

You can use a RAdio Shack battery. I use the NiCAD RS PN 23-448. Wrap the metal battery case with some plastic electrical tape before installing it.

Do not buy other NiCADs or NiMHs unless you understand how to check to make sure it is an 8.4 volt cell vs a 7.2 volt cell. Many NiCADs sold by Sears and Home Depot, etc., are the lower voltage version which is fine for a CD player but could be destructive to an MTH engine's electronics.

The RS batteries have a note on the back of the card that says it is an 8.4 volt battery. RS also have an equivalent NiMH battery if you prefer that type. If you shelve your engines a lot, the NiCADs will hold a charge longer (but you need to manage the battery memory) and a NiMH will withstand being on a charger all the time without a memory issue. But a NiMH not on a charger loses it charge faster than a NiCAD.

Regards,
Roy

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dontrainman

PS2, but unless it sat on the shelf before it was sold, it is less than two years old. But I guess a new battery wouldn.t hurt. Thanks.

Then I would think that the battery needs a good charging. It may take a couple of hours of charging. Be sure to turn off the smoke unit. [;)]

[Anonymous]

If I was you, I would go to my local MTH dealer and purchase the correct battery. They sell for around $8.00. He or she might even install it for you and then check your locomotive to make sure its working ok. While you are in the store, who knows, you may find something else you need. Take care and have a great Friday.
Jimmy

[Anonymous]

I have not had this problem with my Lionel 671 Turbine!! Just rassing you modern guys.

I have problems finding those big light bulbs with the dimple in the top for the smoke pills. And finding smoke pills. In fact I just give up running smoke which is fine with the spouse.

Charlie

[lionelsoni]

Charlie, you can get smoke pellets from
http://www.toytrainsunlimited.com/

[EIS2]

Roy,

You stated:

"If you shelve your engines a lot, the NiCADs will hold a charge longer (but you need to manage the battery memory) and a NiMH will withstand being on a charger all the time without a memory issue."

How do you "manage the battery" in the engine, since it recharges whenever it is on the track? With other NiCAD applications, you are supposed to allow the battery to completely discharge occasionally. How do you do that with MTH engines?

Regards...
EIS

[Anonymous]

EIS,

One of the problems with PS1, was that, anytime the locomotive was on a track, with track voltage on, the battery was being charged. The Nicads did not like this as it is an invitation to battery memory issues. Nimh's, which don't suffer from memory issues, are a much better choice for PS1's (my opinion, anyway).

The battery charging system in PS2's only charges the batteries when they require it, so Nicads are fine in them.

There should be a sticker on the bottom of the locomotive, if it is PS2.

By the way, did it make any noise, light up, or anything when you applied power?

Also, did it give a double clang on the bell when you powed it up (a sure sign that it is a PS1)?

What transformer are you using?