challenger3980 posted:PaperTRW posted:Be careful -- most of the information about the "upgradeability" of this piece mentioned above is incorrect.
As Ed H posted, this piece was an exclusive made for JCPenney in 2001. It came with a SignalSounds tender, which only has whistle and bell sounds. (Therefore, it seems like the OP's tender is working correctly.)
The manual that Lionel shows for this locomotive on their website isn't right. It was for a later version of this locomotive with RailSounds.
Unfortunately, there isn't really anything upgradeable about this piece. The locomotive comes with a standard 103 e-unit, which is not TMCC-compatible. While you could technically plug in a RailSounds 4 audio and power board to the tender motherboard, there isn't any way for the tender to see a "chuff" command.
And if there really is a 9-volt battery plug inside the tender, it shouldn't be there as it doesn't serve any function.
I hope this helps.
TRW
I don't know why you would say that "most of the information about the "upgradeability" of this piece mentioned above is incorrect"
I said that, I am not familiar with that particular model, but MANY Signal Sounds locomotives ARE Upgradeable to TMCC and/or Railsounds. I didn't say that Particular model was.
Mike Reagan said that, IF it is cab #2001, it was delivered COMMAND READY, and IS UPGRADEABLE, and listed the Lionel parts required to do so.
Mike may have thrown me under the bus, on a previous product defect, but I suspect that he knows what he is talking about, with this locomotive, He does work in Lionel's service dept. I don't know what your experience, or knowledge is regarding Lionel products.
The 9 volt battery plug, that probably really IS in there, Probably Really does Belong in there, AND serves a Purpose, it should be in there to maintain the sound system during power interruptions, such as conventionally cycling the "E" Unit during direction changes.
Doug
Doug,
I didn't direct my comments very well. Your summary of the different sound systems is accurate, as is your comment about "many" (although I'd likely use the word "some") SignalSounds locomotives being TMCC and RailSounds upgradeable.
But even though this locomotive does have a 2001 cab number, it is definitely not upgradeable using the standard parts normally associated with these upgrades. I'm guessing that Mike is confusing this locomotive with the slightly-larger Hudson and Pacifics that were upgradeable in both TMCC and/or RailSounds. (These other locomotives are the ones now used for the LionChief line.)
The purpose of my post wasn't to call anyone out, but rather to prevent someone from ordering $85+ worth of boards thinking that they could be added to this product with satisfactory results. With regard to my experience or knowledge of Lionel products, I was the manager responsible for bringing this product to market.
As I mentioned above, the tender motherboard will accept a RailSounds power supply and audio board, but there is no hardware, either in the locomotive or tender, to generate a chuff signal. Could this somehow be added? Sure, but that is definitely outside the range of the "upgradeable" program and more involved than swapping out a few boards.
Lastly, the 9-volt battery serves no function in the SignalSounds environment. Perhaps the Korean factory had wiring harnesses already assembled used on other locomotives.
TRW
