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I just bought a new old stock railking steam engine w/ps 2.  I’m able to add it in dcs remote without issue.  It’s runs, smokes, and sounds just fine.  However after I shut down and try to run it again later, the remote can’t find the loco and I get the error message ‘engine not on track’.  I’ve tried deleting the engine, then re-adding it, and it works again...until I shut down... then it’s gone again.  I’ve tried resetting the engine to factory, and again it works fine until I shut down.  This is the only engine I own that does this.  Very frustrating. Is it a fault with the engine? What can I do different? Thanks.

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Brian has it right.

I'll just add that a regular 9 volt alkaline battery (on older PS2 5 volt systems) can be used temporary to test the engine but do not leave it in permanently, it can damage the charging circuit.

To verify that the battery is good, turn off the  power to the track while the engine is sitting at a rest with the sounds on. The engine goes through a complete sound shutdown sequence which last about 10 seconds. If it cuts out before that sequence completes, the battery needs to be replaced.

Last edited by H1000

You did not state in your post what the product number was for this engine.  PS2 engines had either a 8.4 volt battery (5 volt board system) or 2 AA or AAA batteries (3 volt board system) wrapped in blue or green wrap.  The batteries cannot be switched between the two systems.  They have different plugs so don't force it.

As per the user manual for your engine located here, the battery is located in the tender and a 9 volt style battery.

BCRs work well, but I usually like to just replace the battery in my older PS2 5 volt engines.  Batteries for these are relatively inexpensive, I get them from my local hardware store or Menards. Just make sure the battery is rated for 8.4 volts and at least 180mA. 

Last edited by H1000

The battery is in the tender.  Your model was made in 2004.  That was the time of the change over from 5V to 3V boards.  The original sound file for that engine shows it was for a 5V board so I believe that is what you have unless it was upgraded to a 3V system.  Just open the tender and see what you have.  The 5V requires a 8.4 volt rechargeable battery (looks like a 9 volt).  You will get different opinions on using a BCR.  I like the BCR in a 3V system, but am not fond of putting one in a 5V system because of the age of the boards.

Gentlemen, 

I switched the battery in the tender and the engine now works flawlessly! Power down, then power up, works! Power down, come back 1/2 hour later, power up, works!  What an easy fix.  I’m a happy camper.  

Final question: after I replaced the battery I charged the tender for about 8 hours before I tried the engine (the battery was new, but old stock so I’m sure it was dead or low charge). Should I go back and recharge for another 4 hours or so since the recommendation was 12 hours ( I was anxious to try it)?

Thank you guys for the quick replies and the help.  

Mo

 

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