Question about non-powered A units and cab lights.

@speperak,

Since MTH has made many, many, A-B-A sets we're going to need more help in order to help you.

Do you have a Product Number for this set (20-xxxx or 20-xxxxx; or perhaps 30-xxxx or 30-xxxxx)?  If so can you share it with us?

Mike

The specific A unit I am referrring to is 20-21583-4. It is a recent Baltimore and Ohio F-3 non-powered A unit. The description says that it has cab lights, marker lights etc. I was just asking if these lights are always on when the engine is on powered track. Or, can they be turned off somehow? thanks for any and all replys. speperak

If the picture on the MTH site is accurate, it's a slave unit to be connected to a powered unit.  One would presume the lights would be controlled.  The arrow indicates the connector to the lead unit.

OTOH, I don't know if this picture is accurate, so I can't say what how the light would function.  Best bet is to find a dealer that is willing to give you accurate details.

All the ABA Sets I have from MTH the Cab/headlight is a directional light the powered unit by default is the lead unit and when in reverse the non powered unit lights will come on.

This one is a separate sale item, so I don't know how that's handled nowadays.

Thanks, Gunrunner. I did not know that these units were connected electrically. Knowing this now, I can see how the lights can be controlled independly at different times. thanks, speperak

New MTH non-powered A units are not tethered.  The lights are usually controlled via switches behind the rear diaphragm.  Attached is a picture of a non-powered E8 from 2019 Vol. 2 catalog.  I suspect the new F would be the same.

I wondered about that picture with the tether connector.  That's low class having no way to automatically control the lights!

We’ll ask @JR Junction Train & Hobby to check it out when he’s open…

He’s got a set waiting for you

thanks!

- Mario

@CentralFan1976 posted:

We’ll ask @JR Junction Train & Hobby to check it out when he’s open…

He’s got a set waiting for you

thanks!

- Mario

We heard from Phil… he said the headlight controls are included on the switch matrix on the rear of the unit, and that the unit automatically turns off the headlight in the opposite direction when movement is detected.

Hope this helps!

- Mario

Looks like the new F-3 lights can be turned on or off as needed through the back hatch. I am looking forward to reading the manual to see what instructions are given. I agree with John that the tether would allow remote access via DCS and would be a nice feature. thanks, speperak

I lied… Phil sent me the directions for the powered A. He believes the non-powered A units have no electronics; neither lights nor smoke.