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Lionel's Hot Box reefer car can be a hit with visitors to any layout, but admittedly it's squealing, screeching audio can quickly become annoying. So, how many of you have used ERR's kit to convert yours from conventional to tmcc operation? Btw, did you encounter any unforeseen problems, difficulties or surprises with the install? Have you also installed an led indicate when you're in tmcc mode? If so, which available hole in the boxcar's frame did you mount it in? 

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I installed the ERR kit about 6 months ago.  It was a pretty straightforward installation.  The directions are clear but I recommend reading the instruction sheet a few times to familiarize yourself with the wires you will be splicing into.  I ended up using the shorting pin to program it rather than the soft key approach.  Just easier.  I did not install the LED since I did not order it and it does not come with the kit, just the harness for it.   The hot box programmed on the first try with my Cab2 and in my opinion, it is the best way to enjoy the hot box reefer, since you can easily turn it on and off remotely to amaze your guests!

Originally Posted by Norton:
Originally Posted by ogaugeguy:

Lionel's Hot Box reefer car can be a hit with visitors to any layout, but admittedly it's squealing, screeching audio can quickly become annoying. 

Annoying indeed. Makes the 3656 cattle corral sound like sweet music.

 

Pete


the cattle car is annoying as well... finally packed it up under the layout and not looking forward to bringing it back out again. But the kids like it.

Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Cbojanower is correct, gunrunnerjohn and BF166. Lionel at one time actually did manufacture them with TMCC. While at Joe's Train Station in Feasterville, PA yesterday a fellow bought a Swift one. On the Lionel box end flap it clearly stated TMCC equipped. Was surprised myself as I too had never seen or heard of a non-set one available with Lionel factory installed TMCC. Never saw it cataloged either.  

I don't think they ever had command from Lionel, I never heard of one.  Here's what a search on the Lionel site turns up.

 

 

hot box

 

Last edited by ogaugeguy
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

I don't think they ever had command from Lionel, I never heard of one.  Here's what a search on the Lionel site turns up.

 

 

hot box

 

 

What they mean, i guess, if you have a ZW-L you can program it in the following manner:

 

As per Lionel:

 

Turning off the Hot Box Reefer

To turn off the Hot Box Reefer in the conventional environment, use the WHISTLE/HORN button on your standard transformer. In the TrainMaster Command Control environment, you must address your PowerMaster, TPC, or TMCC-equipped ZW Transformer (press TR, enter the ID#), and then press the WHISTLE/HORN button on the CAB-1 Remote Controller. 

 

Last edited by BFI66
Originally Posted by cbojanower:

GRJ, the manual I d/l'd when I first got mine clearly described how to use the TMCC, it was then I realized I had an early version

 

Better try that search again

As noted above, the only TMCC I've ever seen mentioned is as described.  Both the Swift's and the Merchants Dispatch one I have came with this exact manual.

 

Lionel Hot Box Reefer User's Manual

 

How about showing us the shot of the controls, a TMCC version would have a PGM/RUN switch to set the ID.

Originally Posted by cbojanower:
Originally Posted by Jim Madigan:

The postman just dropped off some Campfire Mega-Steam I ordered to try in it, along with some Frying Bacon for the Bunk Car Grill, and Beer for the Roadside Fender Bender... 

I think frying bacon is the most appropriate for the Swift car

Many years ago I was sent to a Swift plant for a service call, they made Spam (now closed). I can still smell it! Awful smelling stuff during the creation process. Good smoke scent to clear your layout of visitors when it's time to go home!

 

Same year got sent to a leather tanning plant, that will empty your entire stomach contents in seconds. Don't know how people work in there every day. That scent would clear the house, but proabably leave a lot of unpleasant messes to be cleaned up.

 

Sorry to get off topic, but the Swift bacon scent got me thinking, which is usually bad...now I have a headache

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