Problem: LGB tram 21360 only runs in one direction

[Sjoerd1985]

I bought an LGB tram (LGB 21360) at the model railway fair in Houten (in the Netherlands) this morning. Now there is something very strange about it: regardless of the polarity on the track (analog DC power), it always drives in the same direction.

When I put the tram on a track with a digital control (according to the online manual, there is a standard decoder with locomotive address 3; https://lgb-trains.com/lib/manuals/pink/pubs/LGB_21360_i200210_DE-EN-FR.pdf), the tram tries to drive away (in the same standard direction) as soon as the wheels make contact with the track... before I even touch the digital control.

The lighting of the tram (interior lighting and front/tail lighting) does not work at all.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong, and how I can solve this?

 

[Gizzy]

I guess it could be a loose connection....

 

[JimmyB]

There may be something in this to help you:

Thread '[solved] Identifying Decoder In Lgb 21360 Koln Tram'

9 Dec 2015

I just acquired my first tram which has a built in MTS (presumably) decoder but I am trying to identify which decoder. CV 8 = 123 = Massoth, CV 7 = 24. Pictures below. The manual describes some of the CVs but I suspect not all of them.


The tram works well so why do I need to know this? Three reasons:
1 - red light does not work when tram goes backwards; there is nothing wrong with the LED but no power is supplied to the relevant pins on the LI-REAR plug socket, and I am wondering if this is down to CV setting

2 - I am trying to figure out what the white...

• idlemarvel
• Replies: 11
• Forum: Digital (DCC)

 

[PhilP]

I think you have a faulty decoder. - The model runs as soon as it is on the rails.

Does it 'buzz'! When placed on powered DCC track. - If so, no decoder.

I wonder if the original board has failed, and the model sold-on?

PhilP.

 

[PhilP]

Also, with the switch in the '0' position, can you place the model on the track and it is 'off'? - No lights, and no movement.

PhilP.

 

[Sjoerd1985]

Yes, the decoder must be the problem...

Since writing the first post, I tried putting it on DCC track again, and tried to set it to another locomotive address (while manually preventing the tram from driving away; no pressure, just holding it in place by one of the couplers).
It didn't work. And about 20 seconds later, a small "ploff" sound and it's totally dead since (no driving in one direction either anymore).

I then disconnected the engine block from the decoder, and opened it. Tried to supply power directly to the engine, seperate from the rest of the vehicle. That confirmed; the engine works, and reversing the polarity will reverse the direction of the engine.

So I think my options are: (A) try to bypass the decoder (making it analog, but that would probably mean the lights will never work again), or (B) try to find a way to replace the decoder board (which looks exactly like the image in the post by JimmyB).
Or (C): Do Option A until I can figure out option B...

​

 

[PhilP]

You should be able to replace the board with a Massoth L decoder. - There should be plenty of room, but I would bypass the switch, and NOT connect the overhead.

Correct setting of the CV's will allow you to use the existing lights (assuming the bulbs and LEDs have not been damaged).

You would need to connect the four wires from the motor-block, and then the connections to the lights.
You could add interior lights as well, if you wish?

PhilP.

 

[Dan]

Originally sold in 2002-2003 per the Compendium.
My self I would add a new decoder that has more features. I use the Zimo HO decoder MX645 in all my small engines. Only issue is there is only one track magnet sensor. The newer MS series has 2 sensors and is 16 bit audio. So, more capability, sound, and for a similar $$ to what a an original decoder would cost if you could even find one.

 

[dunnyrail]

I bought an LGB tram (LGB 21360) at the model railway fair in Houten (in the Netherlands) this morning. Now there is something very strange about it: regardless of the polarity on the track (analog DC power), it always drives in the same direction.

When I put the tram on a track with a digital control (according to the online manual, there is a standard decoder with locomotive address 3; https://lgb-trains.com/lib/manuals/pink/pubs/LGB_21360_i200210_DE-EN-FR.pdf), the tram tries to drive away (in the same standard direction) as soon as the wheels make contact with the track... before I even touch the digital control.

The lighting of the tram (interior lighting and front/tail lighting) does not work at all.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong, and how I can solve this?

That Tram is the first to be sold by LGB with a decoder fitted, I have 2 of them. Sounds like the decoder may now be trashed so replacement as suggested later in the thread required.