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I'm wondering how bad this is.  The engine is an older MTH 4-4-2 Atlantic, part #20-3110-1.  I purchased this off of ebay several years ago and it did seem to work fine at that time.  I only had a small layout then so I didn't run it much.  It was eventually packed away while the basement was finished.  Now when I try to run it the breaker on my 180W Powerhouse trips (I'm still using TMCC and a TPC300). When I press AUX1+9 on the CAB1, the engine sounds start and the lights come on.  As soon as I hit 8 on the keypad, that's when it trips the breaker.  I took the tender shell off and here's what I found:

 

 DSC01715

 

I'm assuming that broken metal piece (proper name?) is causing that issue?  Or could it be something else causing the tripped breaker?  I also notice that this wiring harness doesn't look completely attached:

  

DSC01717

 

So, how bad is this?  Any guesstimates on how much to repair it?  I'm asking because I'm considering selling this engine, but need to find out how much trouble I'm in here.

 

Thanks in advance for any information you might have.

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Gentlemen - thank you for the replies.

 

Hitting 8 on the CAB1 supplies 30% of power to the track.  According to the manual, you do that first (well, actually second after AUX1+9, which activates the power-up sequence) so that when you hit DIR the engine doesn't take off like a rocket.

 

If I have time this weekend, I'll try to simplify things and set up a test track with just a transformer. Then I'll see if it shorts on power up or when I try to get it to move.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

 

 

Zeke;

To simplify use of this engine I suggest you buy a DCS Remote Commander.

It's not a Full DCS system but it gets you in Command mode for cheap.

Speed, Sounds, Sound Volume, Whistle, Bell, Smoke, Couplers, all on the remote.

 

Just connect the Output to the track Red to center and ignore the input.

The remote will run the engine in Command mode so just throw the power to the track and let it power up.

Then control simply by pushing the labeled buttons for the desired function.

 

Last edited by Russell
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