I am getting a F-8 back to running condition,,,,,,I bought a 2 step reverse unit from Trainz.com and the usual ground wire is not there. My question is how does the coil get its current to operate?
Jackie
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The original Gilbert XA14C429 Remote Control Assembly used in the F9's attached directly to the motor. A separate conductor(ground) wire would not be needed with metal to metal contact. The F9 does not have a chassis but other late 5 digit engines used the chassis as one of the conductors. A cost saving design.
MY original unit on the F8 has insulted rubber washers but it also has a ground wire attached. Should I discard the rubber washers?
No, I would not do that. Unfortunately I do not have one of those engines to examine. It sounds like the replacement reverse unit must have the ground wire to function. I looked at the two pages in the Factory Service Manual but they lack any specifics on the wiring.
I just looked at T Barker's repair manual and the wiring is completely different than what the factory wired loco .........the factory wired units have the 2 coil wires running to the 2 bottom lugs. Barker has the brush wires running to the 2 bottom lugs............I'm confused......
Jackie
I once again forgot about Tom's repair manual. There are two relevant Figures in the book. First is Figure 6-31 on P57 that shows and describes the connections for the similar Casey Jones. There are 5 wires shown, one black wire from the insulated brush and the solenoid in the upper left, the other "uninsulated" black wire on the right for the solenoid. Plus the wires highlighted as yellow, red and green.
Looking at Figure 9-40 on P91 shows a picture of the F-9 power truck, but not from the best angle. I can see the yellow, red, green and the insulated black wire from Figure 6-31. I cannot see evidence of the uninsulated wire from the other side of the coil, likely because of the angle of the picture. It should be there.
Except for the non visible solenoid wire the F-9 wiring appears identical to the Casey Jones illustration. Perhaps the black wire is just missing on your reverse unit and can be soldered in place.
Have just finished rewiring the F8 just as I unsoldered it and it runs forward and backward, Had to uncoil some coil wire and connected to opposite post. reverse unit is working fine,,,,,
Just reassembled it and ran on track,,,,ran great, lots of speed,,,,quiet too.
Jackie
Great!
