Im a new model railroad hobby enthusiast - i just purchase a used 2018 engine with tender- when on turn on power pack only the front headlight lights up - any suggestions? Would i have to get a bigger transformer? Also if i have two engines can one transformer provide enough power or should i buy another transformer
Jgnpsu,
[#welcome] To The Forums. You would have better luck posting this on the Classic Toy Trains Forum. Mostly N-scale and HO scale hang out here.
I can answer a couple of your questions though. That engine you are describing is a steam Mogul 2-6-0 and that headlight should be on going forward, if it has a rear light on the tender, it should be on going in reverse, did you try that? Also you did not mention the power pack you have, so my guess would be, that it should handle at least two, trains.
Frank
What type of power pack are you using? If you’re trying to use a cheap Tyco, Bachmann, or similar train set power transformer, they do NOT put out sufficient amperage for a G-scale locomotive such as the LBG 2018D.
It should run on a better quality throttle made for HO scale, such as an MRC power pack, albiet slow. Higher quality power packs for G scale usually have a minimum output of 5 Amps at 19 Volts DC.
Are you tryiing to run it on a piece of G-scale track? Try cleaning the wheels and track, especially if the track is brass.
When you plug the wire at the back of the locomotive into the socket on the tender, make sure it is firmly seated and that the wire is pointing up. I have one of these locomotives, and that plug requires a LOT of pressure to get it firmly into the socket.
If it was purchased on e-Bay and doesn’t run, it sounds to me like you bought a pig in a poke, and perhaps didn’t read all of the seller’s description, or the seller was not up front by admitting that it doesn’t run.
If it was purchased at a yard sale or thrift shop and the motor is bad or it has a stripped gear, you’re most likely out of luck on finding replacement parts. It was made when LGB was still a German product and not of Chinese manufacture.
I have the parts and repair manual for that locomotive, but it is in German and parts are no longer available.
If only the headlight lights up and the engine does not run, look for a little slide switch at the back of the cab underneath the firebox. Slide it all the way to the right and the motor should now work.
I believe the switch has three positions.
Position 1: All the way to the left is headlight off, smoke off, motor off.
Position 2: In the middle is headlight on, smoke on, motor off…where I think your switch is currently positioned.
Position 3: All the way to the right is headlight on, smoke on, motor on.
This is exactly what I was thinking when I saw your post. Let us know if that was it!
Merry Christmas,
Michael
FYI I just picked up an LGB 20321 and it has a FOUR position switch inside the cab which I gather is:
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Off, everything
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Track power off, lights on, smoke on
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Track power ON, lights on, smoke on
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Track power ON, lights on, smoke on, sound on
so make sure you try all the switch positions first, if you can track down an owners instruction manual online that would help alot.
BTW I was able to test mine on a 1/2Amp Bmann starter pack, so I dont think its a lack of power, probably the switch is in the wrong selection.
Ummm…LGB? maybe the Garden Railroad Forum?[;)]
I have owned an LGB 2018D for many years (25+). There is a sliding switch hidding in the back end of the cab. It can be onery to use. I would bet that some fuwsing with the switch will bring your unit to life.
Good luck!
Bill
Let us all know what happens, I repair LGB so I might be able to further trouble shoot it for you if its not the selector switch in the cab. Mike
The OP was way back in 2013, I think he got his answer. 