Runaway locomotive

Not sure if this will help but have you tried reversing the wires to the track? Otherwise your remote or power pack could be bad.

Lee Fritz

Thanks Lee, yes I tried that (mounted lock-in on the inside of the track rather than outside), but no change .

Do you have a regular transformer to use with the set? Try an MTH Z-1000 transformer or a post war transformer and see what happens, you may lose remote control but should have speed control at the transformer.

Lee Fritz

Lee, no I don't.  A few years ago, I had quite an HO setup, but with 3 kids I put most of that away.  This is the only O gauge that I have.  Thanks.

Seems to me your engine is starting up in conventional and you could get someone to reset with full dcs see if it helps and your mth reciever may be bad engine not getting watchdog signal.

Thanks Chessie.  I dont believe this is a DCS unit, it is older and cheaper.  To reset, I have to be able to put the locomotive in neutral, but the remote wont do that.

Another comment/question to anyone.  I have put just the caboose alone on the track and the lights are on.  If I decrease power using the remote until the lock-on's green light goes out, the lights stay on in the caboose.  Should decreasing voltage until the green light is out turn the lights off in the caboose, or is there still enough  voltage to continue to run the lights?

It's starting in conventional mode.  It could be the DCS-RC receiver or the actual locomotive.  Since you only have that set and no other equipment to test, I'd find a place that you could try it and see if you can isolate it to the locomotive or the the DCS-RC unit.

John,  this is an older unit, I don't believe it has digital control.  I live in a pretty rural area, there is no "train shop" within an hour.  I suppose I will just return.  Thanks though.

Well, the exact model number would help us help you.  There has been command control on many of MTH sets since 2000, so it would have to be a LOT older to not have at least the possibility of command control.

John, the product number is 30-4051-0 ("O Gauge RailKing 4-6-0 Steam R-T-R Train Set w/Loco-Sound").   Thanks, Don.

Donem do u have a manual for your set? 

Chessie, Yes. (see attached file)

Mth catalog says it was delivered in Aug. 2001. The features are shown to be:

- Die-Cast Boiler and Chassis - ABS Detailed Tender Body - Metal Wheels and Axles - Operating Metal Coupler - Track Voltage Operating Headlight - Precision Flywheel Equipped Motor - Operating ProtoSmoker System - LocoSound Sound With Chuffing, Whistle and Bell Sounds - Die-Cast Steam Locomotive - 3-Car Freight Consist - 31" x 31" 8-Piece RealTrax Circle - Z-750 Transformer With Wireless Remote - Infrared Track Lock-On - RailWare Interactive CD Rom With Track Layout Software - Intricately Detailed Durable ABS Bodies - Metal Wheels and Axles - Die-Cast 4 or 6-Wheel Trucks - Colorful, Attractive Paint Schemes - Fast-Angle Wheel Sets - Needle-Point Axles - Operating Die-Cast Metal Couplers - 75-watt Power Supply With Wireless Remote - AC/DC Cassette Player - 1/8" Mini-Jack Cable Unit Measures:loco: 19" x 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" cars: 10 3/4" x 2 5/16" x 3 1/8" Operates On O-31 Curves

(AC/DC Cassette player? Odd addition.) 

Breezeinup, yeah, that is odd.  I believe you can play recordings through lock-on and then through the coal tender speakers.  I suppose that would be festive playing holiday tunes while going around the Christmas tree.

OK, with Locosound, I'd suspect the tach encoder or the board for a runaway.  Locosound has speed control, and if the tach isn't functioning properly, it will take off.

OK, thanks John.  In your opinion, is that worth repair or should I return for refund?  I see that a tach board is $6-$10 so the cost is low.  I have 7 days left to return so if its not the tach, then the set is mine.  Thanks, Don.

Return it.  It could be simple, or it could be the logic board, a lot more expensive.  Best to get one that works without repair.  If I had it, I'd check to see what was wrong, but I have the tools and the knowledge to diagnose it.

Thanks John.  Thanks Chessie.  Thanks Breezeinup.  Thanks Lee.

Did you do the conventional function to turn speed control on?  Could be a simple as that.  G