Help - American Models EMD, E- 8 Hi-Rail AC?

Even if it is AC, it will run on a DC power pack.  The locomotive won't respond to the direction switch on the pack, but would cycle with the power being turned off and on.  Note: the AC reverse unit defaults to forward if the power is off for more than a few seconds.

If the locomotive responds to the direction switch on a DC power pack, then it's DC only and doesn't have a reversing board.

Interesting, the original owner must have split up the set.  The Texas Special E8's were only available as a pair with the passenger cars.

Rusty

If it's DC & you apply AC it will sit & hum. Turn off quickly.

Bob G

That is very beautiful indeed...👍

Mark in Oregon

@Rusty Traque posted:

Even if it is AC, it will run on a DC power pack.  The locomotive won't respond to the direction switch on the pack, but would cycle with the power being turned off and on.  Note: the AC reverse unit defaults to forward if the power is off for more than a few seconds.

If the locomotive responds to the direction switch on a DC power pack, then it's DC only and doesn't have a reversing board.

Interesting, the original owner must have split up the set.  The Texas Special E8's were only available as a pair with the passenger cars.

Rusty

Rusty.  Very helpful.  Will try.  Also, did not know about this set, couldn't find on American Models website.  Thanks.  Mike   

Strummer.  It is so beautiful I had to take the risk and buy.    Mike   

Bob.  Very helpful.  Thanks.  Mike   

@Mike West posted:

Rusty.  Very helpful.  Will try.  Also, did not know about this set, couldn't find on American Models website.  Thanks.  Mike   

The set sold out quite some time ago.   It was made around 11-12 years ago.  Here's what it looks like stretched out with the original four cars and the three optional coaches:

Mine is the scale wheeled version.  Both units are powered, it runs great.

Rusty

With the circuit board and speakers, I'd guess hi-rail A/C.

The wheel flanges are big enough to make the loco Hi-rail.

Thank you very much!  Mike 

Rusty.  Your set is beautiful.  Thanks for sharing the information and photo.  Mike 

The presence of the circuit board means the unit is AC.  AM affixes the board with double sided tape to the top of the motor, which appears to have been done.  The board is also typical of what AM uses.  If it were DC, there would be NO circuit board.  None would be needed.  The flanges are hi-rail, no doubt.   There are also two speakers in the frame.  NO DC locomotive would have them from the factory.

All their diesels run like watches.  Nice buy!

Thank you very much to all who helped me.  Truly appreciated.  Best.  Mike   

Jerry.  Thank you very much.  Mike   

Based on the flanges, the circuit board and the speakers, this is AC highrail with sound unit.

Chuck.  Thanks very much!  Mike   

All.  Thanks to those who responded with advice.  Tonight, I ran this beautiful engine on a test track, and it ran quite well on AC S Helper track.  Very happy.  Best.  Mike   

Just posted a short video of my American Models EMD-8 Texas A unit pulling for now the American Models Empire consist. Thanks to all who identified this engine as Hirail AC, as it was purchased at auction and had no box. Fortunately, the risk was worth it as it runs well and had no damage. It is a beautiful engine and already a favorite. Happy New Year to all! Mike

Very nice. Is that FasTrack?

Mark in Oregon

It is S Helper (MTH) track, which I like very much particularly as the rails are nickel silver, which is so easy to clean.  Unfortunately, for now no one is making any more at this time, although some good used pieces can be found.  Mike. 

That really is a beautiful loco - AM does nice work!  Just for future reference, I've always found that calling Ron Batista at AM (I think he is the owner?) to be extremely helpful - nice guy, willing to answer questions, etc.  So I'm sure if you (or anyone else) has questions about this loco or other or other AM products, he'd be able to help.  As was pointed out up-thread, the presence of the board sez its AC...

@richs09 posted:

That really is a beautiful loco - AM does nice work!  Just for future reference, I've always found that calling Ron Batista at AM (I think he is the owner?) to be extremely helpful - nice guy, willing to answer questions, etc.  So I'm sure if you (or anyone else) has questions about this loco or other or other AM products, he'd be able to help.  As was pointed out up-thread, the presence of the board sez its AC...

FYI: Ron passed away on December 4th, 2021.  His family and employees are continuing to operate AM.   I was called by Joe at AM about two weeks ago about a back-ordered item and it arrived two days later.

Rusty

Rusty - thanks.  I had no idea about Ron's passing.  I'm very sorry to hear about his death.  I'm a bit of a late-comer to American Models (last few years) but  they certainly have great products and as noted earlier, their customer service (at least my interactions with Ron) was first rate.  I hope that will continue.