I have a Lionel operating milk car that I have owned since new. The car is in perfect condition, and works well....perhaps too well. I am using an MTH Z4000 ten volt tap to power it. The "milkman" throws the cans out with too much vigor, and some of them fall over of course. What is the best way to reduce the voltage (at the accessory, not at the transformer) Perhaps a resistor in the line near the accessory? If so, what value/part number? Thanks in advance.
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A resistor wouldn't be the best way to lower the voltage. Using diodes in "back to back" pairs would give you about .6V drop for each pair, one amp diodes would probably be big enough. You would add pairs until you get the desired operation. Dale H of this list can explain it more clearly. Here's a link to a page by him describing the process.
http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Voltage-Dropper-Diodes
Scotie
The best way to adjust the voltage is to use a small variable voltage transformer for your car. This way you can fine tune the voltage for optimum performance. If you have a Lionel transformer, use it to power the remote track.
Using a resistor involves measuring the resistance of, and the current through, the mechanism coil, and using math to figure out a series resistance.
Larry
AME,
Yep, Train Larry has the best solution. I use the C or D side of a Lionel PW ZW to provide variable voltage for operating cars such as the Milk car. By adjusting the voltage to the UCS track you can slow down the action of the milk car until you are able to set each milk can upright on the platform.
Now remember Murphy's law of operating cars which can effect this solution:
When,during any given train running session and visitors are present, not all milk cans will remain standing when unloaded from the Lionel Milk car
.
The Lionel Milk car is one great accessory.
Richard
I haven't had that happen and have higher voltage, but do be aware there are 2 types of milk cans, one with and one without magnets in the bottom. The only ones I load are those with the magnets.
If this is a 3662, the dashpot diaphragm has probably lost its seal causing the mechanism to work too fast.
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. Would it be possible to provide a part number for the diodes that I can use to order some of the diodes and try this approach? Thank you again.
If you've still got a Radio Shack near you any diodes over 50V and of a suitable amperage would work. Not sure what the milk car pulls but 3 amp or greater should work.
If you are going to have to mail order I might suggest Jameco Electronics, they've got part no. 36274 diodes at .13 each but you need to order 10. As size is not an object in this application you could get say 5 amp diodes for a little more. There is shipping but not too bad, try to order other things you need at the same time, they've got wire, LEDs, kits and etc.
Scotie
'
Repair the car first before using work-arounds.
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