I grew up with 1960s HO, where as long as it went forward and reverse and didn't derail, you were good. "High tech" meant Kadee couplers. So maybe I'm just too much of a knucklehead for recent O gauge technology, where the loco does 47 different things -- until it doesn't. But maybe I can get some help here....
I have two MTH PS-2 locos that, following long storage, dead batteries, and replacement of batteries with the appropriate J and W "BCR" capacitors, have the following issues:
1. My nice little B&M SW-1 now runs again, lights work, and the couplers release. But no sounds! No engine running, no bell, no horn, no (annoying) cab chatter. Yes, I checked the volume control screw underneath. Have also tried the "reset to factory defaults" sequence in the manual. Still silent. Someone told me that I could turn the sound back on with a DCS controller, but neither my gigantic layout (4x6 loop with a couple of spurs at this point) or my equally gigantic budget really call for Digital, I'm just running conventional. And I don't know anyone with a DCS controller.
2. Also have a B&M Doodlebug gas-electric. Unlike the switcher, it has all the sounds (except for the shutdown sounds after you kill the power -- it just cuts off). Also has all the lights. And the couplers work. But it's stuck in neutral. Have tried the lock/unlock direction sequence in the manual -- it gives me the two horn blasts to show message received, but stays stuck.
The switcher I want to fix and keep. The gas-electric I had hoped to sell, once the BCR restored it to life. But I'm unwilling to put any more money into it, since (especially after shipping it to and from the service) I'll never recoup it on the sale. So -- any suggestions for restoring the missing functions in either unit? Does anyone with a DCS controller live here on the South Shore (MA), and would you be willing to have me stop by and try to turn on the SW-1 sounds?
Beyond those questions, any suggestions for reliable service are welcome. I emailed MTH factory service two weeks ago today, and haven't heard a word, which doesn't fill me with confidence.
Finally, I would take reasonable offers for the gas-electric, as-is. Has seen very little use -- I bought it, tested it, and stored it while I built a new house. More photos on request.
Thank you all for your help!
Jeff Plate, Marshfield MA
