My MTH Pennsy decapod, which I’ve had for about a month, has developed the following problem: When you put power to the track, the engine lights up properly and begins making its sounds as normal. However, when I hit the directional button on my transformer, the engine simply turns off and then turns back on again - i.e., it won’t run at all. It appears that instead of moving into “forward” it is “stuck” in neutral by turning itself off.
I did try the “reset to factory settings” method with the transformer buttons, with no effect. It’s not a transformer problem, as my other engines work fine with it.
I bought this from Jim’s Train Shop and can certainly call him, but figure that (a) something is obviously wrong that can be quickly fixed, and y’all would know about it, or (b) something is VERY wrong, and the engine will have to go back to MTH.
Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Engine sounds should remain on for at least 5 seconds after shutting down track power. I believe this holds true when running conventionally as well. Sounds like a battery issue. Rather than triggering the direction button just turn the voltage to Zero. Neutral sounds still should play for a few seconds. If it quickly goes silent chances are the battery needs a recharge. There should be a section in the manual on how to do this. You can do it on your layout but it takes a number of hours with power applied to the rails. If you opt for this method. Place some electrical tape on the center rail in front or back of the engine. In case it fell out of neutral somehow. The strips of tape will cut power and prevent a runaway.
You guys are amazing. I noticed, but forgot to mention in my initial post, that the sounds cut off immediately when the power to the tracks was terminated. I think the battery issue is spot on.
I’ve had the same trouble with my MTH RK PRR M1a. I replaced the battery with the Radio Shack battery, charged it, still does it. the only way I can run it is to slowly turn the transformer off untill the sound starts to cut out, then turn it back on.
I have to say I am not particularly happy about this. This is an engine that retails for over $1000 (I paid $860 IIRC). And it’s not sold with a halfway decent battery? That’s nuts.