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I am trying to get an early MTH loco that is stuck in neutral to work properly.  The box doesn't have instructions and I wasn't able to find any on the MTH website.  It is a GE C30-7 Diesel with QSI electronics.  Engine start up and idle sounds perfect when power is applied to the track, but when the power is interrupted, the sound stops.  When the power is reapplied the loco goes through the startup sequence again but remains in neutral.  I changed the battery, first with a new 9 v battery then with a BCR, but the engine continues to be locked in neutral.

I tried the commands for a PS-1 loco to unlock the neutral setting but the engine did not properly respond.  I would appreciate any suggestions on how to get the loco back to life.

Tom

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"Can you do a reset 18, the other unlock procedure for early MTH was to hold the whistle button and turn power off and release whistle.  Reapply power.  Does the engine play shutdown sounds when power turned off?"

G - the loco is no longer responsive to cycling though the reset numbers.  And, holding the whistle button and turning the power off and releasing the button is like just turning off the power.  When turning the power on, the loco seems to startup normally with expected startup sounds - double bell clang, startup, idle.  After startup, when the transformer voltage is high (small MTH transformer doesn't have a gauge, but its probably about 14v+) the bell rings once of its own accord.  When the power is interrupted, the sound immediately stops even though there is a 9v Duracell battery temporarily installed.  Same thing with a BCR.  No shut down sounds.

This is a friend's loco who wants to run it for his young grandson under the Christmas tree.  This early MTH loco is great looking, but the assembly is a nightmare and probably can't easily be repaired.  I'm inclined to give him one of my PS1 or PS2 locos (5v board) that a rarely run.   But, first I need to make sure that the loco I give him is reliable and has a stable battery solution.

Thanks for your help,

Tom

GGG posted:

Does this have battery switch?  Some early ones did?  Is battery harness good, some get corroded and or break a lead.  After that it is a board issue.  G

Good thought G about the battery harness and switch.  As much as I hated figuring out how to remove the shell, it should be easier a second time and I will test the battery harness cable to ensure that it's working properly.  I am not aware of a switch, but I will have a look once I remove the shell.  Thanks,  Tom

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