by Mike Roque
Someone asked about the electrical problem with these on another list, and I thought I would also let you folks know about this problem and another related issue with the instructions regarding shell removal:
I just picked one up in Springfield this weekend, and it had the problem…
Basically, the DCC plug is wired up incorrectly… I didn’t note the original configuration, but I did notice that one or more lights were connected to the same pin as the track or the motor (Can’t remember which). Tony’s Train Exchange says this configuration will program OK, but when you try to move on the main, it will blow the decoder.
However, it’s no big deal to properly reconnect the wires to the DCC plug. Just find a diagram of the NMRA plug pinout and use the markings on the loco’s plug (P1, P2, etc.) to connect the wires to the correct pins. The lamps are 1.5V, so you’ll need to replace them anyway…you can use that opportunity to wire the plug correctly.
ALSO: The included instructions for removing the shell are VERY unclear about how to do it properly. I’ll save you all potential trouble by telling you that the two screws you need to remove are hidden above the trucks (The diagram and instructions do NOT make this clear AT ALL). Also, grab the shell and walkway by the air tanks (The instructions say to grab it “between the grills”. What does that mean??). Basically, if it’s hard to get the shell off, you’re not doing it correctly.
After sorting all this out, though, I must say that the detail is EXCELLENT and the drive is VERY SMOOTH…to be expected from P2K.
Good luck!
I just picked one up in Springfield this weekend, and it had the problem…
Basically, the DCC plug is wired up incorrectly… I didn’t note the original configuration, but I did notice that one or more lights were connected to the same pin as the track or the motor (Can’t remember which). Tony’s Train Exchange says this configuration will program OK, but when you try to move on the main, it will blow the decoder.
However, it’s no big deal to properly reconnect the wires to the DCC plug. Just find a diagram of the NMRA plug pinout and use the markings on the loco’s plug (P1, P2, etc.) to connect the wires to the correct pins. The lamps are 1.5V, so you’ll need to replace them anyway…you can use that opportunity to wire the plug correctly.
ALSO: The included instructions for removing the shell are VERY unclear about how to do it properly. I’ll save you all potential trouble by telling you that the two screws you need to remove are hidden above the trucks (The diagram and instructions do NOT make this clear AT ALL). Also, grab the shell and walkway by the air tanks (The instructions say to grab it “between the grills”. What does that mean??). Basically, if it’s hard to get the shell off, you’re not doing it correctly.
After sorting all this out, though, I must say that the detail is EXCELLENT and the drive is VERY SMOOTH…to be expected from P2K.
Good luck!
Last edited by Mike Roque on Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
