Lionmaster T1 Shell Shorting Problem

I have not repaired one of these yet but the AF Berk version has 8 insulating washers to isolate the frame. Two for each screw. Does this one use them?

I have the same locomotive, nothing unusual under the hood, no insulating washers.  I'd look at the wire bundles and see if the shell is pressing them down and puncturing a wire to short things.  You may have to redress the wiring a bit to eliminate the issue.  Insulating the frame is not an issue with O-gauge, the handrails are the antenna.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd look at the wire bundles and see if the shell is pressing them down and puncturing a wire to short things.  You may have to redress the wiring a bit to eliminate the issue.

Alright, I'll try that when I get a chance. I heard that the wiring is so crammed in the shell that the shorting is a common problem in these. But like I said, it's only when I screw it on. Although that may just be adding to the tightness of the wiring, which would explain why the shorting's only when it's secured to the frame. 

The tightening of the screws is frequently the "last straw" with these kinds of issues.

If you think the wiring in that locomotive is tight, take a look in the Legacy Lindbergh Atlantic, the one with whistle smoke!  There's not a spare square millimeter in there!  Last time I had mine apart, it took me about 5-6 tries to get the shell on without something being pinched and not working!

Hi Keith, I had the same problem with my T1 after a few months of operation. I sent it to Lionel for warranty repair. Their fix to the problem was putting a sheet of insulating material bent in a "U" shape over the electronics. End of problem. I hope this helps.

It could well be some projection from the boiler shell poking through the insulation on a wire.

LGVScott posted:

Hi Keith, I had the same problem with my T1 after a few months of operation. I sent it to Lionel for warranty repair. Their fix to the problem was putting a sheet of insulating material bent in a "U" shape over the electronics. End of problem. I hope this helps.

Yeah I remember you telling me about that a couple months ago, but I don't have anything thing thin or sturdy enough to fit inside the shell. A trip to Pat Catan's might get me something, though.

Keith6700 posted:

Yeah I remember you telling me about that a couple months ago, but I don't have anything thing thin or sturdy enough to fit inside the shell. A trip to Pat Catan's might get me something, though.

Sure you do, you just don't know it.  Look around for the thin plastic packaging that comes on a multitude of items, cut a piece to cover the boards and fold it over them.  Tape it down and put the shell on.

Thanks for the help, I got it working again