Lionel PWC Series GP-7 - Battery Required ???

No it does not need a battery. The battery is only to keep the sounds going during brief interruptions of power like when you cycle the power to change direction in conventional.

From the Manual:

"This ensures interuption free operation of Railsounds." (Sic)

And:

"Although track voltage powers Railsounds, the battery is required for uninterrupted operation and shutdown sequences. "

Jon

the plastic cap is to protect the 9v contacts from shorting out....joe

Thanks everyone, for explaining (more clearly and unambiguously than the manual) the purpose of the battery and the plastic cap that is installed by default.  I will install a battery today and hope for uninterrupted sound.

Unrelated to my first question (?), but concerning the same locomotive: The rear coupler opens and releases any trailing car(s) spontaneously and randomly.  I'm currently running, in conventional mode, on a test track that consists of a simple oval (approximately 6' x 9') on the floor.  No uncoupling track, no switches, no grades - just flat straight sections and curves (O48).  The locomotive runs around the track maybe once or twice and then the rear coupler opens and lets go of the train - at random spots, sometimes on a straight section and sometimes on a curve.  No other locomotives that I have behave this way.

Any chance the lack of a battery is related to this behavior?  And, if not, is there an easy solution?  Or, a way to just set the coupler in the closed position so that it won't let go of the train?

Thanks again.

Sam

Definitely not the lack of battery.  Lionel used to sell the Geep Electrocouplers separately.  Pretty easy to replace.  A clip and two wires if I remember correctly.   You might check their parts availability on the web site.

Jon

Thanks, Jon.  I found the parts list for this GP-7 at Lionel's site.  Looks like this specific part (coil coupler, 610-8855-550) is not available from Lionel.  I'll search around and see what I can turn up.

Sam

GunRunnerJohn answered the question on Jan 5, 2020 when someone else asked:

First step, determine if it's mechanical or electrical. Unplug the coupler connection from the motherboard and run, see if the couplers still open. If they still open, it's mechanical, if that "fixes" it, it's electrical.

For electrical issues, install a 1uf 50V non-polarized capacitor across the coupler output, I like to put them under the motherboard across the connector.

For mechanical issues, probably just replace the coupler.

----------------------------------------------------

My suggestion:

Also keep that plastic 9 volt snap connector. Be sure to put it back on the 9 volt connector if you take out the battery.

Where you will notice if the battery is in or not is when you run conventional and turn off the power to bring the engine to

a stop. With the battery in the engine you will give nice shut down sounds. With no battery the sound abruptly stops.

Also remember to remove the 9 volt battery when you store your engine.

If you use a "permanent" Railsounds battery, you don't have to worry about it leaking or getting discharged.   This is a once-and-done installation.

YLB - RailSounds Battery Replacement

PennsyTurbine: Thanks for your suggestions.  I searched this forum and happened upon that post by GRJ before I posted my second question.  I ran through those diagnostic steps and determined that the problem persists with the coupler unplugged from the motherboard.  I also determined that if I turn the GP-7 around, attach trailing cars to the front end, and run the locomotive in reverse, then that (the front) coupler holds fast and does not let go of the train.  A solution of sorts may be to swap front and rear couplers.

gunrunnerjohn: Thanks for the heads-up on the Railsounds battery replacement.  That looks like a worthwhile upgrade.

First things first - I need get my couplers sorted.

Peace,

Sam