Modern 497 and GarGraves uncoupled/unloader

Tony,

i was not aware that the UCS section was wired to the 497 coal loader.

However I do recall that the instructions for the GatGraves long version uncoupling /operating track state that it can only be used to operate the Lionel milk car. I believe the instructions state that the 3459 dump car and the later twin bin dump car will not work on the long GarGraves uncouple/ operating track. You should use the Lionel UCS track.

Hope this helps,

Richard

Might have to.  I did get it to both raise and lower the side bin, but I can’t get it to dump the coal.  When I hit the dump lever I don’t hear anything.  Going to the LHS with it to see if they can fix the solenoid if that is the issue.  Bought new 15+ years and just now finished my layout and installed it.  Had to clear the old grease out of the gears, hard as candle wax.

I don't think the UCS section is connected to the modern version of the 497.  I have one boxed away and only tested it last year.  If I recall, the 497 has it's own switches to raise and lower the bin and another to dump the coal.  The UCS section is controlled as any other UCS section would be, by the two button controller.

In my opinion, the newer design is somewhat nicer, having the UCS section rather than the operating blades of the older model.  

The instructions for the modern one show connecting the 497 controller to the UCS section.  The 497 controller does raise and lower the side bin, but it can also unload the coal from the car.  I still use the GG UCS controller to unload the car.  I think it only uses the UCS to get power.  I figured which wires I needed to connect to power so I don’t have it connected to the UCS.  Still won’t dump, will see what the LHS states.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...5956714107250002.pdf

I stand corrected.  It has been at least a year since I had mine out of the box.  

Ok Tony,

Post number 3 on the Lionel UCS track is the power or Hot post. I see you are using the modern dump car which is activated by a plunger when it is pulled down by the electromagnetic in the center of the UCS track .

FYI, to run the Lionel UCS track on variable voltage do this:

wire 1 on the UCS controller goes to U on a ZW or track ground.

wire 2 on the controller goes to post 2 on the UCS track 

wire 3 goes to post B or C on the ZW

wire 4  goes to post 4 pn the UCS track 

I think if you connect the wire from the 497 that goes to post 3 on the UCS to ZW post B or C along with wire 3 from the UCS Controller you will have variable voltage to run the 497. 

Richard