As some of you know, for my birthday in March I got the NYC F3 set from JusTrains:
Well, due to my dad’s memorial service this weekend, my nephews would be over, and Tyler, Corey and I wanted to show off our trains. We had broken down the train setup about 6 weeks ago so that we could set up a huge Geo setup, so we basically reversed that a week ago. Anywho, once it was all set up, we started running some trains. When I put my F3 on, which, mind you, is less than 3 months old, all that comes out of the speaker is a continuous mid-range hum. WTF??? This engine is brand spanking new and was working fine when set aside four weeks ago. Now, not only does the horn and bell not work, but the engine emits this loud hum (which sounds like feedback, btw) every time it’s on.
So what’s the best way to get it fixed? Being down in VA, I don’t have a train shop right next door. Call Lionel? Call JusTrains? Take it to my LHS the next time I’m up in NJ? Is it covered under warranty?
Spank,
Several of the earlier Conventional Classics sets are known for defective sound boards. It should be covered under warranty.
I have the earlier GG1 set, and I hate it due to the poor quality. It has more issues that my 62 year old 2332 GG1, so I just got fed up and put it away.
It does sound like a bad board. Strange it would just quit while set aside though. As for the other lionel classics I love em including the GG1 set, mine runs great.
I know the the feeling, I have a New York Central Empire State Express…(K-Line) When u set it on the track nothing…no lights or anything. But if you run Dc power straigth to the motor, runs like a top. We have changed 2 out of the 3 boards still with no luck…trying to get the third one… Thats the only thing I can think it would be… Pickups are all wired and connected…(visual inspection). Unfortunaly When I bought it, I let it sit in the box, and now that I am starting to work on my train tables, (building them) I got the engine out…and this is what it has done…(nothing) but now…its out of warrenty…I would b on top of that warrenty thing, from my experince.
Call Justrains. I order from them regularly, The one time I had a problem they sent a replacement unit and were very prompt.
Green97Probe,
I checked out your u tube channel and sent you a friend request on it, BlackDiamond1969… Like the Idea of using Cut 2 x 4 's to prop the engine up for testing purposes…
Most likely, you have a problem with a solder connection on the printed circuit board. The hum is probably 120 Hz coming from rectified 60 Hz. If it were out of warranty, I would suggest you check all the solder joints on the PC boards. Since it is in warranty, I suggest you get a new board. I have fixed a lot of things just by finding the broken solder joint and re-soldering it. Use a magnifying glass to examine the board. Bruce Baker
Bring it down to Wendell NC to Todd’s Train Depot and tell Steve and Terry I said “FIX IT”. They are good. They also have the Lionel test “kit”.
**Chief…**I’ll be right down with my stuff. It’s 720 miles and a 13 hour drive to Rolesville. Make sure there is gas in the boat and beer in the fridge. This hobo is game for a road trip. [swg]
Jack
Call Adrian at Chesterfield Hobbies in Midlothian VA. He is an authorized service center.
Roger