I’m new here…my name is Bill and after a 4 yr hiatus I’ve returned to try to finish my layout in the basement. I’ve had my engines stored on the shelf…and on the track. I use mostly MTH and Atlas engines. I’ve had a problem latley w/ the MTH engines. I put them on the tracks…fire them up…and well they won’t move. The Atlas I have no problem with they run fine…but now every MTH engine I have just sits there and blows smoke…LOL! I’m sure I must have something locked out…I’ve read through the manual…but haven’t had any luck. I sure this is a simple question for the pro’s here…but it is frustrating on my part. Any help would be appreciated!
Nice to have you here. You don’t say whether they are Proto 1 or 2 engines. If they are Proto 1 this sort of makes sense as PS1 engines have problems when they’re batteries have been inactive for a while.
I do not run any MTH locomotoves however I have seen discussions where the MTH Proto units require a battery for proper operation. I believe it holds a lot of the configuration information and the such. You did not menton if you are in a Proto environment or not, but if they are command engines dead batteries (9 volts?) may be causing your trouble.
PS2 engines often need to sit on a powered track (full voltage) about 1 hour to recharge after long non running times. Charge them for one hour, then shut down the track, repower it up and it should work
If it is a PS1, put in a battery or battery replacement before trying to operate or you might scramble the chip.
Thanks for the replys…was wondering if a standard 9 volt is OK to use or must I get a replacement from MTH…also if I leave sit on the tracks for an hr @ full throttle…would this eleminate the swapping the battery thing…cause I see already is a pain!
Replacing the existing battery with a standard 9V can be hazardess. Most 9V batteries are not rechargeable but the circuit in the train recharges the battery.
If it is Protosound2.0 (not protosounds 1) just leave it on the track at full voltage for an hour, shut down and restart. The problem will be cured. If it is PS1 or original proto sound then you will need to swap out a battery with either a new battery or the new battery replacement capacitor.