Commanding a Lionel Polar Express Set

I just got the Polar Express Set (6-31960) which runs on the CW-80.

This is our first AC set and my son does not like it.

He is used to DCC and DCS in all of his trains.

He loves to run his train slow and that is not possible with this AC set as the lights are dim and the loco sound tender (an Add-On) is all crunchy and horrible sounding.

Is there any way to install something in the loco to command it?

I know I just need a decoder for HO, but have never done this to a O gauge train.

I would love to get this to work on our DCS Commander.

1/18/133:43 PM

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Gandalf97OGR Forum Member

You could get TMCC level control or PS/3 by having an upgrade done but I think the money would be better spent buying a lower end Berk that already had command control. Otherwise, you are looking at $1500 or more for a SCALE Legacy Pere Marquette 1225 plus about $150 per car for the scale versions.

I have been running my P.E. set for a long time and though it isn't as nice as the scale, it is what it is. If your son likes the Polar Express, the set will grow on him.

1/18/134:04 PM

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Nick12DMCOGR Forum Member

The ERR Co. did do a TMCC upgrade for the Polar Express. But I think Lionel changed the internals on the loco which ment the upgrade no longer fitted.

Eric gives the best idea, which is finding a second hand Lionel Berkshire Jn TMCC equipped model and swap the body shell.

Regards

Nick

1/18/134:58 PM

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ogaugeguyOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

That might with with the PE rtr set loco, but how about the PE loc that has the smoking steam whistle effect?

Originally Posted by Nick12DMC:

The ERR Co. did do a TMCC upgrade for the Polar Express. But I think Lionel changed the internals on the loco which ment the upgrade no longer fitted.

Eric gives the best idea, which is finding a second hand Lionel Berkshire Jn TMCC equipped model and swap the body shell.

Regards

Nick

1/18/135:08 PM

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scoobydoOGR Forum Member

So the ERR AC/DC Commander unit wont fit the current PE loco?
If so, that's a shame. Its only $70 bucks.

1/18/135:25 PM

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pmilazzoOGR Forum Member

Check with ERR. They may have a solution now like putting the tmcc boards all in the tender.

1/18/135:45 PM

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Mike McCutcheonOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I converted my Polar Express to TMCC a few years ago using a ERR DC Commander. It was a tight fit. Not sure if I have the old or new PE? I have since switched it back to conventional control. Since the Polar Express only gets action around the plastic holiday tree. So command control wasn't needed. Here's some pictures of the conversion.