Lionmaster Class A

Have you removed the shell and checked that the antenna wire didn't come loose from the handrail?

yes  - first thing I did.

With the actual product number I could be more precise in a suggestion.

Look at the R2LC board in the locomotive.  It'll likely be a version C08, possibly later like C13.  If you have another TMCC locomotive with a C08 or later, you can try that.  Just do a complete reset whenever you move an R2LC to a different locomotive (or back).

The antenna or the R2LC are by far the most common issues for this kind of symptom.

Hi John,

Thanks for the input. Some more info. My Class A is a 6-28697 and according to lionel's parts breakdown it needs an o8 board - 691R2LCC08.

I have a TMCC SP Atlantic which also has an 08 board but if I understood you right I can use the 013 board from a TMCC Berkshire JR I have ?

I would prefer this option as I hardly run this engine nowadays so a temporary swop would work while I order from Lionel. Just impatient to try my "new " engine!!

Thanks MIKE

Thats incorrect, it should be 6-38049

RickO you are correct - I was looking on Lionel's site for my other TMCC engines - noted down the number for the Bershire JR and then stupidly put the wrong one on my post!

MIKE

The answer is the same, it's an R2LC-C08, very common.  You can easily swap one from most modular TMCC locomotives.

Thanks John. Does it have to be an "08" or can I use a later "013"?

Thanks

MIKE

An 013 will work fine for testing, I presume you'll be putting it back into the original engine anyway.

Thanks John

Weirdest thing!  I swapped over the boards - used a scale Altantic and swapped like for like.

I now have an Atlantic that still runs but slightly less smooth than before and a Class A that runs perfectly where as my start point was a Class A that would not move without my hand on the antenna

Will still order a new board.

Thansk for all your help.

MIKE

Mike, that can occur depending on the engine.  Definitely sounds like a weak R2LC.  The other test is measuring the handrail to chassis ground.  If grounded that is the cause of the weak signal.  Sometimes the handrail grommets fall out or the insulation at the attachment point is worn.  G

George is right, most likely the R2LC, but the second suspect is a poor antenna.  Since swapping them fixed it, I'd think the R2LC is going to be the silver bullet.

Thanks G and J. I am happy but weird thing though the engine responds better to forward motion rather then reverse but I guess that could be binding somewhere.

MIKE

First thing to look at is mechanical issues when you see that.

Just a quick update. ordered anew R2LC from Lionel - the usual pain free and quick service (I am in the Uk)

However when I put new board in the Class A - zero response and even with my hand over the antenna very little reaction to throttle or anything. Tried it in another engine - same

Looks like they sent the right one - board says "O8Z" but label on packet has the right number. Did all the usual reset stuff after the switch. So e/mailed Lionel re replacement, put the first swapped board back in the Class A - but now not as sensitive to command as it was before - just my bad!!  I will have to look again at antenna issues and all the plugs but for now a cold beer I think!!

MIKE