Attention Dave Olson: Is FlyerChief Really For AC Power Only?

Best advice - RTFM (They are all available on lionelsupport.com). There will be a section similar to this which outlines power requirements:

For the specific Baldwin Switcher you mention, the manual is here:

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...FBaldwinSwitcher.pdf

Been running mine ac dc and dcc power with a remote or smart device

The Legacy locomotives, OTOH, require AC.

the flyerchief baldwin is not legacy . Some of the new flyer will be legacy as was some of the older stuff like the u-boats an es44 and sd70s

I know Doug, just presenting some additional information for those that might assume all the Lionel Flyer stuff would run on DC.

bmoran4 posted:

Best advice - RTFM (They are all available on lionelsupport.com). There will be a section similar to this which outlines power requirements:

For the specific Baldwin Switcher you mention, the manual is here:

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...FBaldwinSwitcher.pdf

 

Thanks for the link. The confusing thing is, our club member did RTFM (which came with the loco - he doesn’t use a computer ), and he said that’s where he read Lionel’s caution to only run it on AC, that using DC would damage the board. Now all I have to do is convince him his owners manual isn’t correct...

Bill in FtL

John i was doing same, I know You know a lot more than i do on electronics and repairs not even sure what otoh is. your information if always respected and appreciated. 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I know Doug, just presenting some additional information for those that might assume all the Lionel Flyer stuff would run on DC.

Thanks GRJ,

I didn’t know that, too bad. Since I prefer to run DC over AC because it’s much quieter, especially for any cars equipped with a solenoid, I’ll have to remember that in case I’m tempted in the future to want a legacy equipped loco. Better to learn now than finding out after a pricey purchase!

Bill in FtL

Bill Nielsen posted:

bmoran4 posted:

Best advice - RTFM (They are all available on lionelsupport.com). There will be a section similar to this which outlines power requirements:

For the specific Baldwin Switcher you mention, the manual is here:

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...FBaldwinSwitcher.pdf

 

Thanks for the link. The confusing thing is, our club member did RTFM (which came with the loco - he doesn’t use a computer ), and he said that’s where he read Lionel’s caution to only run it on AC, that using DC would damage the board. Now all I have to do is convince him his owners manual isn’t correct...

Bill in FtL

That is not at all what I am suggesting... I'm suggesting that one references the correct manual for the correct locomotive.

As GRJ pointed out, there are Flyer Locomotives equipped with Legacy or other electrics that have different power requirements that are not DC on the rails compatible.

I dunno, looks like the Baldwin manual (hot off the .pdf) sez DC to me...

However if in conventional operation, I wonder if the horn or bell will sound continuously.

Rusty

I can't see how the horn wouldn't sound all the time in conventional, or with the other polarity, the bell.

Everyone needs to understand that the move for DC support in the lower product lines was simply that of the bean counters seeing the price advantage of placing low cost wall warts in starter sets instead of traditional AC transformers. This upset generations of standardization on AC on the rails and caused yet more confusion and is very unfortunate. Rule of thumb - 3 rails, it is AC compatible*. Deviate at your own risk and exasperation.

*yes, there are a very limited number of very inexpensive starter sets from way back that are DC only

My experience has shown that virtually any OGauge engine in any operating mode will run on AC or DC.  LionChief and FlyerChief seem to be fine with DC. There could, however, be specific systems where AC is preferred or required. Owners manuals are the best source of info on this subject. BTW, good suitable DC sources are about he same cost as good AC sources.

BOB WALKER posted:

My experience has shown that virtually any OGauge engine in any operating mode will run on AC or DC. 

You've posted this before, and of course, I believe I corrected this statement before.

TMCC and Legacy, which have a significant share of the market, do NOT run on DC.  Perhaps you don't have any experience with the Lionel TMCC command products, but I can assure you that a ton of people do.

"TMCC and Legacy, which have a significant share of the market, do NOT run on DC. "

American Flyer Legacy Mikado, Pacific, Big Boy, Challenger, and U33 locomotives are AC only. The Legacy SD70ACe, ES44AC, and Y-3 locomotives can run on AC or DC. The Y-3 works on DC, but its design was not originally intended for AC and, as a result, the tender backup light is illuminated when the locomotive runs forward.