Conventional Engines Slow speed

Must be engine specific. All of my engines run very slowly on my conventional layout. I use Z-1000's.

Thanks, my mistake on the transformer, it is a Z1000, the next loop is the CW80.

I am going to recheck the drops, maybe add a couple.

Brent

Although I'm not the guy to show you how, google "use diodes to slow down toy train engine", if you google "diodes to drop voltage for toy trains", you'll come up with several threads worth reading. Here's a good one: <http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/62589.aspx>

Gunrunner John is expert at this, also...

cheers, Eli 

All my dual motor Williams engines are wired for series connected operation. This action reduces the top speed by about one half.  Very simple to do and does not cost anything for materials except maybe splices.

 A wiring diagram for the series wired motors on a Williams GP30 diesel is attached.

Have you tried it with the CW 80? (you corrected your post to say it is running on a Z-1000) The CW-80 is an EXCELLENT transformer for SLOW speed operating. Quite frequently people post about a "Locomotive" that wont run slow, and jack rabbit starts, often the culprit is the TRANSFORMER, NOT the locomotive, many transformers have minimum starting voltages of 5-6 volts or higher. Many conventional locomotives, especially those with can motors and little if any sophisticated electronics will start on less voltage than some transformers are capable of getting below.

The CW-80 has a near zero minimum voltage, and will run many locomotives to their true potential in slow speed operating. with a CW-80, you can watch a headlight start at a bare glimmer, and ease the throttle up until the locomotive responds. My conventional Lionel 0-6-0T Docksiders and Mikado jr's in particular will run very slowly and smoothly with the CW-80.

 The EARLY CW-80's DID, have some problems, but any built about 2006 and on, are EXCELLENT transformers, and hard to beat for slow speed operation of conventional locomotives.

Some people just can't let go of the early issues. Try the CW-80 and see if you surprised at the difference in the same locomotives slow speed performance.

Doug

Doug, thank you, I switched the engine to the CW 80 and it will run slower, still have a problem on one section of track where the engine will stall but this can be fixed, cleaned, put in a new drop, replace the track.

Thanks Y'all for all the comments

Brent

Yes, a chopped-wave transformer will help.  The K-Line set transformer (larger one with the metal case) is one of the best for coaxing good performance out of those old motors.  The sine wave has a sharp leading edge and amplitude is something like 36v peak-to-peak.  You might notice a little more "buzz" compared to a traditional wound-field autotransformer.

Not sure about your expectations here... None of these postwar style Pullmor-motored steam locos will run at a constant slow speed for long distances, or for long periods of time.  The gear ratios just aren't suited for this type of operation.  Furthermore series-wound AC motors are VERY sensitive to changes in load.  Get a level and make sure your mainline is absolutely pool-table flat, with NO rough track joints, and no pinch points in the gauge.

A couple of more radical options would be to replace the Pullmor with a Timko motor and some type of speed control, or retire your 8615 in favor of the Railking L&N Berk with Proto2, MTH p/n 30-1178-1.

He is not trying to slow it down, it won't run at low throttle if I read the post correctly.  This sounds like and engine/motor issue.  Is this a AC Pulmore motor?  I would look at brushes and motor maintenance, followed by engine running gear.  Your running at 80% throttle to get it to go, indicates an issue with the engine.

A PW engine (similar to yours if pulmore) would not need 80% throttle to move with a 1033.  G 

I'm having issues with four of my engines on my Fastrack layout; 3 Lionel steamers, and one 1 AF O-Gauge Northern. I'm using the trolley line as a test track to see if they all work smoothly on tubular track, but I wonder if it has something to do with the track being dirty or my CW-80 transformer.