lowering motor voltage??

Yep, you just need to put some back to back diodes in one of the motor leads.  Do NOT try to use a resistor, that will not work properly.

 

For most locomotives, you won't have to use more than a 3A diodes.  Sometimes, you can get the diodes in a more compact form by using a bridge rectifier, that will replace two sets of diodes.  For a bridge rectifier, connect the AC terminals in series with the motor, and connect the +/- terminals together isolated from any other connection.

 

 

 

Shown here with some pictures

 

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...=488&categoryId=

 

Dale H

Thanks John, I never gave diodes or a bridge a thought. Must be over the hill syndrone kicking in.  Tom

Thank you,Dale. I should have checked with JC Studious also. You can always depend on this forum. Tom

While the diodes may help with the voltage, it seems you have another problem.  All smoke units I've seen should smoke well for much more than a minute when given a suitable voltage.  There could be an issue with your wick and/or how it draws fluid across the heating element.

Dale put me onto this a few years back. Works great and also reduces the 'jump start' action of Lionel locos.

I'd agree with Stan, I'd check the smoke unit as well to see if you need a wick replacement.

Stan-John, This is a new engine,run less than 30 minutes. I will check it out though. Have the bridge rect. about ready to go. Used four 6a. and get about a 4 volt drop. I probably could have gone with the 4a., a good bit smaller. Was just worried about heat. As soon as silicone dries I will give er a try. Let you know! Tom

I'm sure that the 4A bridge would have been more than sufficient, but as you way, what's done is done.

 

Looking forward to seeing how the performance differs.

The heat will be the same no matter what the amperage rating assuming the same voltage drop. On a single 4 amp bridge or 2 sets of 6 amp diodes, voltage drop will be 1.2 volts per bridge or 4 diodes. Wattage used will be 1.2 times the amperage drawn through the motor per bridge. 

Only half of the bridge or half of the paired diodes conducts current at one time because it is in series with DC current. Half the diodes block voltage while the other half drop voltage by .6 per diode.  So the wattage and heat and amperage is only carried by half of the string or bridge. This is why I recommend the 6 amp diodes instead of 3 amp ones. Depending on how you load the motor they may or may not be sufficient. 

 

Dale H

 Dale,John,&Hugh, Finished the install and ran loco about one hour. Runs very nice,no erratic start,low speed very nice. Runs at about 15-16volts input & drops to about 11 on motor. Also, very smooth running. The smoke is really nice, about what I like to see, not to much not to little. And she blows some nice smoke rings quite frequently. Not much heat either, just warm to touch. Am very satisfied!!! Hugh, thanks for your input on the heat issue. I have a **** loco set I will try some 4a. ones in. The 6a. rectifiers were really tight. Again, thank ya'll very much!!! Tom

Sorry Dale & Hugh. I meant to thank Dale on the heat issue. I apologize. I guess it"s the over the hill thing AGAIN!! Tom

Tom,

   As usual Dale H's electrical engineering is absolutely correct,

the man knows his business.

PCRR/Dave

I used (4) amp rectifiers and they fit great.