CMC; DC power

waynew posted:

Hello;  looking for help here.  I'm interested in starting a small standard gauge layout.  My interest is in Mccoy and cmc/cmt.  I've noticed on ebay that the CMC engines operate on DC do Mccoy as well?  What type of transformer can you use to run DC.    Is there a transformer made to run both?  Thanks, Wayne Walter                      HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.

For DC power, I use Bridgewerks, P.H. Hobbies or LGB transformers. I don't think you will find a transformer/throttle that can run both Lionel 18 VAC and DC. 

However, I am not sure whether you actually need a DC transformer. I think open frame motors run on both. I'm not sure on the CMC motor. Maybe someone else can chime in. 

George

waynew posted:

Hello;  looking for help here.  I'm interested in starting a small standard gauge layout.  My interest is in Mccoy and cmc/cmt.  I've noticed on ebay that the CMC engines operate on DC do Mccoy as well?  What type of transformer can you use to run DC.    Is there a transformer made to run both?  Thanks, Wayne Walter                      HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.

Wayne --

CMC and CMT locomotives use can motors (often Pittman) that will not run on AC without the help of bridge rectifier.  All of the McCoy I have runs on AC - but others are more familiar with those than I am and will likely chime in!

Depending on what you already have invested in AC locos and transformers, you may want to just add bridge rectifiers to the DC units as you acquire them. While some transformers have DC and AC taps in them, this is usually a situation of variable DC to run locos and fixed AC for accessories. I am unaware of any transformer that was made with variable AC and DC to run both types of locos, but it might exist...??

Have fun with your modern era standard gauge trains, but be careful -- they can be habit forming...don't ask how I know!  

Happy Easter,

Rob

Wayne, I have a number of McCoy and they all run on AC from the factory. I believe McCoy did a few G gauge which would be DC. Also have quite a few CMC/CMT, in fact just got another today. A $3-5.00 rectifier will convert it to AC, but will only run one direction unless you add a manual reversing switch. All of mine have been converted to AC with rectifiers.

Steve

Very timely topic, I just purchased one of Arno's CMC locomotives. It needs a little work but I plan to add the rectifier so I can run it on my set without another transformer.

Any particular one to use? I was thinking about something like this

https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Ele...TF8&s=industrial

samdjr74 posted:

Very timely topic, I just purchased one of Arno's CMC locomotives. It needs a little work but I plan to add the rectifier so I can run it on my set without another transformer.

Any particular one to use? I was thinking about something like this

 

https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Ele...TF8&s=industrial

That should work. Which one did you get? I just got one in the mail today from Arno’s collection.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

samdjr74 posted:

Very timely topic, I just purchased one of Arno's CMC locomotives. It needs a little work but I plan to add the rectifier so I can run it on my set without another transformer.

Any particular one to use? I was thinking about something like this

 

https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Ele...TF8&s=industrial

That should work. Which one did you get? I just got one in the mail today from Arno’s collection.

Steve

I just won the small 0-4-0 tank engine with the brass wheels. I know the gauge is slightly off as it was listed that way and it sounds like either the wheels aren't clocked right, the motor is shot or the "transmission" is locked up. I was trying to win the chrome plated set that ended the other day but it went a little too high for me. I'm just thrilled to get one of his pieces. He got me into modern era standard gauge and even helped me design one of my older layouts. He was always willing to lend a hand when he could. He will be sorely missed.

Which one(s) did you pick up?

samdjr74 posted:

I just won the small 0-4-0 tank engine with the brass wheels. I know the gauge is slightly off as it was listed that way and it sounds like either the wheels aren't clocked right, the motor is shot or the "transmission" is locked up. I was trying to win the chrome plated set that ended the other day but it went a little too high for me. I'm just thrilled to get one of his pieces. He got me into modern era standard gauge and even helped me design one of my older layouts. He was always willing to lend a hand when he could. He will be sorely missed.

Which one(s) did you pick up?

Got these, 2 auctions, one for the engine and one for the 3 coaches. Overall, Ok ,but some work needed.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

samdjr74 posted:

I just won the small 0-4-0 tank engine with the brass wheels. I know the gauge is slightly off as it was listed that way and it sounds like either the wheels aren't clocked right, the motor is shot or the "transmission" is locked up. I was trying to win the chrome plated set that ended the other day but it went a little too high for me. I'm just thrilled to get one of his pieces. He got me into modern era standard gauge and even helped me design one of my older layouts. He was always willing to lend a hand when he could. He will be sorely missed.

Which one(s) did you pick up?

Got these, 2 auctions, one for the engine and one for the 3 coaches. Overall, Ok ,but some work needed.

Steve

Very nice!

Thankyou Rob S., George S., and Steve Eastman for your help about DC and AC compatibility. Trying to make it to the York show;  Hoping to see Lots of real tinplate.  Not much up here in Canada especially Standard gauge. I'm hooked.  Enjoy seeing everones pictures that are posted in this form.  Thanks again, Wayne Walter

waynew posted:

Thankyou Rob S., George S., and Steve Eastman for your help about DC and AC compatibility. Trying to make it to the York show;  Hoping to see Lots of real tinplate.  Not much up here in Canada especially Standard gauge. I'm hooked.  Enjoy seeing everones pictures that are posted in this form.  Thanks again, Wayne Walter

Wayne -- if you make it to York show, look me up in the Red Hall - you'll be guaranteed to see some tinplate!