Atlas California Zephyr 2 rail to 3 rail conversion

DougCOGR Forum Member

I am planning to convert an Atlas California Zephyr passenger car to 3 rail. I already have the 3 rail trucks. I can't find any information on wiring for the 3 rail AC power. The lights do work on battery power but I would like to be able to power from the track also. Do I need to change the led lighting for that to work? Is there a circuit board in the car somewhere that steps the voltage down for the leds? If so will it work on AC as well as DC?

Also do I have to break the cut bar off or is it removable?

Thanks

5/21/2310:45 AM

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RRDOCOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

The 2-Rail and 3-Rail versions of the cars are identical except for the truck and coupler assemblies. Looking at the exploded parts diagram, the light board contains components. The capacitor is recognizable. The other components may be diodes, resistors and a voltage regulator.

The diagrams show both 2-Rail and 3-Rail parts when they differ. There is only one version of the light board, so it should be universal, accepting AC or DC power.

Body Parts Diagram

Underframe Parts Diagram

The CZ cars have a plastic frame, so it requires both center rail and outside rail connections on the truck. With the 3-Rail trucks, the red wire is attached to the screw under the roller pickup, and the black wire is attached to a screw on the side frame (circled).