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These center cab transfer locomotives were made only in 2012.  I have the EJ&E paint scheme.  (I love it) I run my layout with 2 ZW's.  I also have a Lionel 30 watt transformer with both bell and whistle buttons. (part no. 6-14275)  I only operate in convention mode.

At first my engine only operated in reverse, sounds are fine and horn is fine.  I disconnected my ZW in replaced it with the much more modern Lionel 30 watt transformer.   I now have bell sounds.

Consulting the owners manual to unlock reverse (whistle bell bell bell) I pressed the buttons at a slow speed, just under 10 volts (checking with my VOM) I finally got it to run forward.  I ran it a little while, but when I stopped it and restarted it would only go in reverse again.

Note, this is my first PS3 locomotive.  I have a couple of PS2 ones that work just fine.  Not using those until I install super capacitors.  I need help getting this PS3 to go through the normal forward neutral reverse cycle.  Any tips or help greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. 

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Bill S. posted:

Orrin, by DCS you mean that you flipped the switch to DCS?  From what I am reading, in conventional it should not make a difference. My question is, can it be locked into a direction using DCS?  If it can, then likely the previous owner did. Can it be unlocked without DCS? 

Yes Bill, but he needs a proper transformer with bell and whistle buttons to do it.

MTH engines don't like some of Lionel's smaller transformers that have a certain wave output.

I actually run most of my MTH O scale on Lionel's PH180 bricks. Again, no bell and whistle buttons. I also have a Z4000.

I fear the problem here might be something else so I wouldn't recommend he spends that kind of money here just to test.

I'm guessing though that the older ZWs don't have the buttons? I have read that they lack protection for modern equipment.

Last edited by Engineer-Joe

A little background, Orrin and I work at the same place. He does not have any command of any brand.  I gave him a 40 watt so he had the bell and whistle buttons, hoping it would be able to switch the mode.  I did tell him about added protection for modern equipment, I run my modern equipment in a ZW-C w/180 bricks. If the procedures didn't work tonight, I told him I  would try it with my ZW-C.  My understanding is the person he got it from ran exclusive MTH DCS.  I don't have DCS, so if it need that to unlock, I could not help. I knew of the CW80 watt issues but didn't know the 40 watt also had issues. I appreciate the reply and any added help!

Bill S. took the locomotive home with him.  Here are his results in his words.

"I got the markers working. I was able to get it out of the reverse mode. I ran it around the layout once in cruise. I put it in neutral to take it out of cruise mode to see if it worked. It then went about 10 feet and tripped the transformer breaker. I can get it to go through the start-up sounds but as soon as I try to go into forward or reverse it will trip the breaker. I did not remove the shell to check the wiring. I did notice a loose screw on the bottom, by either the volume or smoke control. That screw won't fully tighten, but does not appear to be the issue. It must be shorting internally, but I don't know on what. It could be part of a board, I don't know.  I got the markers working. I was able to get it out of the reverse mode. I ran it around the layout once in cruise. I put it in neutral to take it out of cruise mode to see if it worked. It then went about 10 feet and tripped the transformer breaker. I can get it to go through the start-up sounds but as soon as I try to go into forward or reverse it will trip the breaker. I did not remove the shell to check the wiring. I did notice a loose screw on the bottom, by either the volume or smoke control. That screw won't fully tighten, but does not appear to be the issue. It must be shorting internally, but I don't know on what. It could be part of a board, I don't know.  I got the markers working. I was able to get it out of the reverse mode. I ran it around the layout once in cruise. I put it in neutral to take it out of cruise mode to see if it worked. It then went about 10 feet and tripped the transformer breaker. I can get it to go through the start-up sounds but as soon as I try to go into forward or reverse it will trip the breaker. I did not remove the shell to check the wiring. I did notice a loose screw on the bottom, by either the volume or smoke control. That screw won't fully tighten, but does not appear to be the issue. It must be shorting internally, but I don't know on what. It could be part of a board, I don't know.  

If shorts, or high current in a direction that usually means a shorted motor, motor lead or binding of the drive train.  Since it ran fine to start, just in reverse, and Bill just unlocked it, not sure why it would have just started shorting.  So check for motor binding.  Traction tire come off?? G

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