MTH RailKing RS-3 Diesel Engine with TMCC??? Sometimes needs "push" to start forward

I'm confused.  TMCC does not use rechargeable batteries, but can use a regular battery to maintain sound when running conventional. Really need to be sure what's under the hood.

If someone put a rechargeable battery in your TMCC system loco, that's not a good idea, as it will discharge and no longer function.  Sounds like that may be happening.  The advice to not use a standard alkaline battery is wrong I believe.  You can use a BCR made for TMCC if you like getting away from the battery, which is only necessary for sounds when power is interrupted or shut down.  You should be able to run without the battery at all.

The start up issue sounds more like the transformer being not entirely compatible and putting out insufficient voltage at low settings.  There may also be some issues with using an MRC transformer with a post-market TMCC system (ERR, Train America Studios, Ed Bender's Train Brain).

So I would replace the battery if there is one with a reliable alkaline battery (not rechargeable) and try another transformer if you have one.  Or start the engine at a higher setting of the transformer, at least to get it started.

The battery has nothing to do with running, only sounds. If the version of TMCC does not have Cruise Control then this is not uncommon. ERR DC Commander, Early Lionel TMCC DCDR, or TAS SAW will behave like this.

Pete

@Landsteiner posted:

If someone put a rechargeable battery in your TMCC system loco, that's not a good idea, as it will discharge and no longer function.

It depends on the rechargeable battery.  This is a battery replacement that specifically replaces the alkaline battery for Lionel Railsounds.

YLB - RailSounds Battery Replacement

"It depends on the rechargeable battery.  This is a battery replacement that specifically replaces the alkaline battery for Lionel Railsounds."

Oops, sorry, my error and apologies.  I forgot about your upgrade that includes a charging circuit for the rechargeable battery.   I should have merely said that a rechargeable battery will likely not last as long as an alkaline battery in this particular use, unless one has a charging circuit that automatically recharges the battery.

@Darrell posted:

I'm confused.  TMCC does not use rechargeable batteries, but can use a regular battery to maintain sound when running conventional. Really need to be sure what's under the hood.

Thanks to all for the advice - I will "pop the hood" and try to post some pictures of what is there.  Not really sure what kind of unit is producing the railsounds since there appears to be no volume control, as described in the accompanying manual, under the trucks, only a run/program switch. I can run the engine with my Z 4000 or CW 80 and see if that makes a difference in startup.  Thanks

@RBB&BC posted:

Not really sure what kind of unit is producing the railsounds since there appears to be no volume control, as described in the accompanying manual, under the trucks, only a run/program switch.

Well, the ERR Railsounds Commander board has the volume control on the board, so it doesn't show up.  I've "remote wired" some of those to have external volume control, but that's not the stock installation.