VL BigBoy Blowdown tip from Mike Reagan

TOLEDOED.... thank you for the information I'll add it to the manual for BB and a thank you to Mike R as well in sharing this.

2 other tips  the first after engine is running make sure 18 volts at track.

the second allow time for both the whistle smoke and blowdown resisters to be engaged as at startup they are not this is per Jon Z. the last 2 smoke units are cycled on gradually something to do with the electronic circuit boards to much draw with all 3 at first seeing he setup the boards I'll take his word as gospel on this part!

Thank you the tip.  I will try it.  I figured my used #4014 was "Over the hill",  "Under the weather",  or "Dead on arrival".

If anyone else finds that this works I for one would be glad to know. I can't try it right away but I am one of numerous people who've reported that the blowdown function does not work as expected. I had resigned myself to opening up my VLBB to see if the thermistor needed adjustment, which is another recommended fix for this problem. Frankly if I can avoid doing that I'd much rather have another solution.  

StPaul, thanks for the  tips. Good to know.

I know that it takes time for all the smoke units to warm up.  However, after waiting more than a reasonable time, and trying every tip in the book, I took a peek in the blowdown smoke unit.  I found the sensor was folded toward the smoke much closer than the whistle steam or main stack (I checked both), so I simply made it look like the working ones, problem solved.

In my case, it was kind of a "no brainer", I already had the top off to fix the non-working cab light.  All worked out, and now I have a fully functioning Big Boy.