UPDATE DEC 11, 2021 - New Lionel 2131080 - 10 Wheeler..... Odd Issue

@Soo Line posted:

One might think software issue but what are the odds that the same issue happens with a new set of boards.  I have done all the normal resets and the problem continues.

Dave,

Unfortunately, the odds are 100% -- if the software wasn't fixed at some point between the production of your locomotive and the production of the set of boards you received from Lionel.  Guaranteed to happen.

BTW -- That's one very nice paint scheme.  It's always good to see what ends up being reality, compared with what's shown in the catalog or on the website.

Mike

Thanks Mike

Then I guess it would be reasonable to assume there are many engines out there with this issue.......

It took me a while to figure out the "work around"  to at least manage the problem......

When she comes on at full volume......sets you back !

Dave

I have that same engine and never really noticed your situation. I do have one thing I don’t like. The 4 chuffs are nice at low speed however at medium speed you can’t hear the chuffs because the hissing and incidental sounds drown out the chuff sounds altogether. Is this common?

Mine operates the same way Rod.

Nice at slow speeds.....

@Soo Line posted:

Thanks Mike

Then I guess it would be reasonable to assume there are many engines out there with this issue.......

Dave

Yes. My father recently purchased the NYC version. Same sound issue.

I was thinking it could be a power or signal problem on his small layout. Your post confirms that its NOT.

I told him, as long as he can bring it back up.  IMO. Its not worth the risk and hassle of sending it to Lionel. It appears at this point.  They are not aware of the problem anyway.

I have the NYC version, also.  I had a similar problem.  I  must have found the sweet spot on the volume as I haven't had any problems the last several times I fired it up.  I still hold my breath when powering it up.

Tom

I'm getting a bit less impressed with the sounds since Rudy left, they have had more than one issue getting sounds done right lately...  Remember the H10 that at full volume the sounds would cut out because they apparently recorded them at too high a level and the overload sensor for the audio amp would kick in and turn off the sounds?  How about the Challenger without articulated sounds?  Should I go on?

@RickO posted:

IMO. Its not worth the risk and hassle of sending it to Lionel. It appears at this point.  They are not aware of the problem anyway.

How can they not be aware of the problem if they replaced boards for this issue and it didn't fix it!  It's not like it would be that difficult to replicate.

Your "preachin' to the choir" here with me John.

As you notice. I stated my father purchased this loco. I had enough preordering "whizz bang" stuff and instead, getting disappointment delivered with the H10 you speak of.

I thought this might be a "new" issue with the audio board since it only malfunctions at startup.

( meanwhile, the jury is still out on those complex gearboxes)

@RickO posted:

Your "preachin' to the choir" here with me John.

As you notice. I stated my father purchased this loco. I had enough preordering "whizz bang" stuff and instead, getting disappointment delivered with the H10 you speak of.

I thought this might be a "new" issue with the audio board since it only malfunctions at startup.

Well, this sounds different from the H10 audio issue of excessive audio drive based on the symptoms presented.  It's most likely still software, but just different software that's at fault.

@RickO posted:

( meanwhile, the jury is still out on those complex gearboxes)

If you're talking about the K4 and similar locomotives with the forward facing motor, I've rendered my verdict, they're junk!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you're talking about the K4 and similar locomotives with the forward facing motor, I've rendered my verdict, they're junk!

I wish those were the only ones with the 4 gear gearbox.

Unfortunately, Lionel has engineered this gearbox design into just about every steamer aside from the hudsons. This even includes articulateds.

All you need is a good LED flashlight shining behind the powered driver with the spokes pointing upward. Then you can see between them to find the secondary gear shaft and bushings in the chassis. This is for another thread I suppose, maybe in a few years if folks are that lucky.

@RickO posted:

Unfortunately, Lionel has engineered this gearbox design into just about every steamer aside from the hudsons. This even includes articulateds..

If they used the same design without improving the reliability, engineered would not be the term I would use!  I'd probably prefer the term kludged to describe that gearbox!

Well,  my problem persists.  Lionel sent me a second board to try.  I installed it in the 10 Wheeler and again the same problem.

Upon start up,  I never know what volume will present itself.  Anywhere from no sounds to full volume.

Seems that Mike and others are correct.....a software error that was not caught during production and is present in several boards if not the whole run.

I'm sure this problem will begin showing up as repairs are made and the replacement boards present this issue.

Perhaps another call to Lionel.............

Dave

I have two of the 10-wheelers from the latest batch, the Strasburg one that Nicholas Smith did a special run on, and the METCA PRR one.  Neither exhibit any issues with the sound coming up at different volumes.