Conventional Engine Change

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors.  But I think with enough money, skill and/or available parts, any conventional engine can be converted to something command controlled.  In fact, for a "newbie" in the process, the best answer might be RCBP which stands for Radio Controlled Battery Power.  This is a newer form of command control that doesn't require applying power to the track, but does require recharging a battery, normally after several hours of use, while the control comes from an electronic board and a smart phone.

Chuck

yes look up the AC commander from electric railroad company , Sunset third rail has been supplying them. not a difficult install. then you can run it with your TMCC or legacy setup.

Thank you for the information. Helps understand what can be done.

YES, the Electric RR Company (distributed by Sunset Third Rail) AC Commander is the simplest most straightforward way to go.

This question regarding AC motors adaptability to command control has come up often. There is a time honored inexpensive circuit for making a universal AC motor look like a DC can motor. Once applied, almost any available remote control system will work.

@Boeingman,

Here's a link to a forum post detailing Bob's "time honored inexpensive circuit for making a universal AC motor look like a DC can motor":

    DC reversal of universal motors | JohnActon

      or

    Pulmor motor direction to respond to the DC polarity of the DREU unit | Bob Walker

I suggest that if you're interested in attempting this you read the entire threads, above, including, and below the above posts.

The conversion is not trivial, primarily because a converted Pulmor draws more current than a can motor.

For that reason it's probably not something to cut your teeth on if you're a newbie.

Interesting reads though.

Mike

Converting an AC motor to work like a DC motor might be interesting reading it won’t respond to TMCC commands without added circuitry.

The ERR AC Commander will and the conversion can take place as fast as you can cut 5 wires, strip their ends and install them in the screw terminals provided.

Actual time to complete the install might be 1-2 hours depending on mechanical aptitude, available space, and drilling a few holes for mounts and switches.

Pete

I sing with the chorus, the ERR AC Commander is the smoothest and easiest way to do this conversion.  If you want sound, add the ERR Railsounds Commander as well.

@Boeingman- add me to the ERR list. I'm on my second upgrade which happens to be a Lionel F3 with dual pullmor motors. The AC commander install is very simple. Adding railsounds and a speaker is easy enough as well.  I'm guessing by your screen name and avatar with your fingers on airplane cockpit controls, that you can handle this.

I'm also upgrading all of the lighting to LED which does get more involved but it's not necessary if you just want digital control of your engine. You do have a Lionel TMCC/ command system right?

Here's my build thread. Most of the correct answers come from Gunrunner John...he's the resident expert. My thread will certainly point out all the mistakes one can make.

Bob

Yes, I chatted with Roy Aydelotte from Royz Trains. He has everything I need. He did an AMAZING JOB on a older 3rd Rail SP MT-4 Daylight conversion for me. He stated that even a rookie can manage this following his instructions. So, a new adventure!  I’m in for the long haul. Have to dive in eventually!!! Thank you everyone for your guidance. Love OGR!!

I agree that the ERR AC commander is the easiest way to convert an AC motor loco to command control. The only reason to consider the AC to DC revision circuit is if you are planning battery power and need a wireless control system.