I am having problems with my Lionel CSX SD-80 command engine. When i took it out of the box earlier this month it was stuck in forward. I looked at all the switches under the engine and everything appeared to be in the correct position. I was also having a problem with the smoke unit. Just a note i am running probably a 40 foot loop around my room with MTH track and an MTH z-1000 transformer.
So i took it to my local train store for them to look at it. When they finished they said there was a major programming error and they had to reprogram everything and charged me $90.
So here’s the kicker. I put the engine back on my track and first it was stuck in neutral. I took it off the tracks and then put it back on and now its once again stuck in forward and the smoke unit does not work either.
I have not been able to get back there because i have been busy and so have they due to Christmas.
So to my question finally, does this problem have anything to do with the fact that i don’t have the Lionel Trainmaster remote system or i’m using an MTH transformer. It baffles me that if it was a programming problem and they claimed to reprogram everything that it would still be a programming problem.
Unless they replaced a board the $90 for a Lionel reprogramming seems like highway robbery to me. The only reprograming I’m aware of with TMCC takes no more than a couple of minutes with the CAB-1 controller. It involves setting the engine switch to program and punching in the correct code numbers that are usually in the back of the manual or probably available from the Lionel web site.
As for your problem, I only run in an TMCC environment, though if I remember correctly the once or twice I had a TMCC engine on a conventional powered loop of track there was nothing out of the odinary that I had to do, some engines may have a switch for conventional vs command on the underside. Does the engine change directions if you interupt the power other than using the direction button? If so it could be a transformer compatibility problem. Others using the Z-1000 will comment I’m sure.
Great engines. I have two [in NS]. I run mine in TMCC command too. The only problem I have had is boards “jarred aloose” from shipping. I remove the shell and “re-seat” all boards when I receive an engine. As Roger states, to reprogram one, you use a CAB1, put engine in program, apply power, address the engine [ENG #, AUX1, key pad number 8]. Cut power, switch to run, power up and away it goes.
One note: be sure to well lube the gears on the trucks. They are finicky and will lock up. [I was informed this by a long time operator] I use a needle oiler and fill it with Slick 50 One Lube [synthetic oil that is thin]. I put a drop behind all the gears on all of the trucks insuring it gets behind them and to the shafts. Then a thin coat of gear lube on the gears. Depending on how much I run mine [sometimes a lot], I do this about once a month. You’ve heard “don’t over lube”. For these, it is better to go a little heavy. As much as I lube mine, I had one suddenly start squeeling one night. Looked at it and the gears had plenty of lube. The needle oiler behind the gears to the shafts stopped it. Wish I could help you more. Good luck.
I’ve had problems running a TMCC engine with MTH transformers.Not all the time but more than not.It usually won’t react to the signal.I now have one track dedicated to MTH and the rest to Lionel.
Ed
sorry for the misunderstanding. the CSX engine is a command engine, however i am simply using a MTH Z-1000 transformer. I have yet to invest in the Lionel TMCC or MTH DCS.
When i apply power to the track the engine immediately goes into forward, when i press the direction button and hold it the engine stops and when i release, it just continues in forward.
I was planning on going back to the store and have them test it for me, assuming that if it works there it is probably a compatibility issue. At that point i would likely sell the engine and get a similar one from MTH so all of my command engines are MTH. Hopefully down the line i’ll get the DCS, but at this point i don’t want to spend that kind of money for trains i only have out a month out of the year.
I really don’t have an answer for you about the problem other than a switch position error which you checked but…$90 for a major programming error is bad form especially if you are running in conventional. Is there more to the repair or was this it? There is nothing I know of you can do to a Lionel engine in conventional that would warrant programing it. Even in Command as others had noted is a simple and 2 minute procedure.
US Airways, Sounds like it is locked in forward. I’d take it back and tell them it has not worked since you carried it home. Might find an old Lionel transformer and see if it makes a difference. Not a lot of cost difference in CAB1 and Command Base than what you spent in repair cost. Tha is all you would need to get this one running in command. Add DCS later.
Have you tried installing a battery? If the engine is not powered for a short period of time, the engine will always power up in the same condition (neutral for Lionel, I think). Your transformer may not be reapplying power fast enough to avoid returning to the start up position. If so, a battery will correct the problem.
just to give an update, i went back to the store tonight.
First they said they replaced the board and that’s what cost so much. Next they said some of the older Lionel command engines that are operated on conventional transformers the smoke unit automatically shuts off.
Needless to say they operated it with the trainmaster remote and everything worked fine. Forward, neutral, reverse was all perfect. Smoke unit worked. So i don’t know what the problem is on my track.
I am likely to buy a similar engine from MTH, sell the CSX lionel one i have now and then investing the DCS system.
I was actually bidding on an MTH engine on ebay and lost in the final minutes. So i am likely to keep my lionel engine now. I’ll just have to get the command base along with the DCS system.
Do i still need my Z-1000 transformer to run conventional engines with DCS or can i run them directly with the DCS remote.
Going to need a transformer with both TMCC and DCS. You can run them both ways. You can run them with remote through the variable channels. You can run them with the transformer handle through the fixed voltage channels. Msot of my Post War, I run through the transformer handles as they seem to operate better. Newer ones run great with the remote.
On EBay: I don’t like it. You got “zinged” by the experts. They know exactly when to hit the final bid so you can not respond even though you see you have a few seconds left. Even with Road Runner, I have been hit on some things like that. I also think some have buddies bidding and try to get you to run the bid up. If not high enough, they take it, hold it and then resale it later. I stay away from EBay.