Hello guys,
Wanted to give everyone an update. The tether came in and I plugged everything in on my temporary track. It was indeed the tether as my meter confirmed on my last test.
Shot a little video to show it all working again.
What is odd is that smoke worked and as GGG says that should not have been the case. I posted a video of the engine at a crawl and smoke working originally.
This engine belonged to the late great Barry and maybe he experienced similar issues and rigged the smoke unit and speed control, not sure though, this engine was sold to me in rough shape. In any case I am happy with the outcome and help.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/XSmq3Y3aULqdfrrb8
As always thank you all!