installing ps2/3 in lionel engines

The Polar Express has a flywheel, but it's tapered to fit inside the shell and has a very small surface area.  I have one here that I'm putting an ERR upgrade in.  There is about 1/8" of clearance for the motor inside the shell, which I suspect is why the flywheel was tapered.  You might be able to carve a bit away from the shell and then build up the flywheel sufficiently for the flat surface for the flywheel tach tape, I've never tried it.  There is a ridge as well, do taking that off might give you the flat surface.  One issue will be extending the sensor to get it close enough to the flywheel, and the tach reader mount supplied will not work with any of these motors, so you'll have to adhere the tach reader directly to the motor.

 

There are two motor styles in the conventional Polar Express locomotive, depending on which year it was produced.  The earlier smaller motor was prone to failure and was replaced with a larger motor.

 

Polar Express Series 1 Motor

 

 

 

Polar Express Series 2 Motor

 

 

 

 

 

Hogwarts Express Motor

 

The hogwarts has been done, i DCS and there are even videos on you tube. If i get that one working, i may attempt the PE. So far I've only seen the PE discussed in theory. I havent heard anyone say "I've done one, and......"

Another option for the PE, is wait for the next RC blowout sale price and get that set. I got it for less than the DCS upgrade kit. It runs great on the DCS layout. You just need to park it someplace you can cycle track power, as Lionel "built in safety", by having the rc electronics shut down, if it sits powered. You can swap the conventional shells,add a little weight and it will run good enough for funa and sit looking pretty, for the family.

The Hogwarts has a flat flywheel, so it looks to be an easy install.  I'm sure with enough perseverance you could get the PE installed, I'm just not sure it's worth the effort to me.  Of course, since I have Legacy and DCS, I'd install the easier kit, the ERR Cruise Commander.  Wait!  I just did, went fine. I even installed fan driven smoke for the little guy, he's much more impressive running down the rails.

DCS can't run these?

Both units can be done and you can fill in the PE flywheel to get a flat surface.

 

The effort will be in modifying the shell to accept the PCB for the harness.  I have looked and there is room but some imagination on how to mount the PCB will be necessary.

 

Then there is the issue of smoke.  You can leave it alone but for synchronized smoke you need to add a fan driven smoke unit.

 

I think because of the labor involved it is an expensive proposition if sending it out.

 

If you have done upgrades before and have the skill for working the chassis and frame I think it could be done.   G

Clem. DCS can run anything in conventional. Waaahhh, I want speed control.

 

Gunrunnerjohn, how is the slow speed control, if I go the easier TMCC route. I'll revisit cost, if it makes sense, but my goal is park it on the layout, without having to kill power and run them slowly, when in use.

The ERR Cruise Commander has very good low speed control, it's comparable to the slow speed capability of DCS.  The bonus with DCS upgrades is you get better and more varied sounds.  Also, the DCS kit does come with pretty much all the bits you need to do the upgrade, including the tether, lights, etc.  For the ERR upgrades, you have to supply more stuff, especially the tether.

 

Either DCS or TMCC can be parked on the layout idle, assuming you have DCS and/or TMCC command capability.

OK so It can be done. SO now the really important question. Where can I get my hands on a couple of PS2/PS3 upgrade kits?

Paul at Catoctin Mountain trains had them just before Christmas.
www.cmtrains.com
(301) 271-6914

If you join the MTH RR club, a $25 basic membership gets you a $30 discount on the kits direct from MTH.  The normal retail price is $180, club members get them for $150.  One kit you've already broke even, multiple kits and you're money ahead.