Most cost effective way to mod a PS2 to conventional?

$40 Dallee e-unit.

Gene Anstine

For .59 cents you can go forward, but no reverse with a bridge rectifier...

harmonyards posted:

For .59 cents you can go forward, but no reverse with a bridge rectifier...

...add a DPDT switch and you could manually switch from forward to reverse...

or, wire motors directly to pickup rollers, then connect a DPDT switch and rectifier between the transformer and the track - DC to the track, reversed by the switch!

eddiem posted:

harmonyards posted:

For .59 cents you can go forward, but no reverse with a bridge rectifier...

...add a DPDT switch and you could manually switch from forward to reverse...

or, wire motors directly to pickup rollers, then connect a DPDT switch and rectifier between the transformer and the track - DC to the track, reversed by the switch!

One way or the other that joker be going down the tracks for under a buck!!!! 

Get an old mechanical e-unit and that bridge rectifier and I'm sure you can find a schematic here on the Forum describing how to do this to early production Williams engines - Williams used to include a paper with their engines w-a-a-ay back in the 70's & 80's.

Tons of simple reverse unit boards available for a few bucks, I even have some in my parts box.

Wow, great to hear. Thanks for the responses!

Rich

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Tons of simple reverse unit boards available for a few bucks, I even have some in my parts box.

Hi John, could you provide us with some examples maybe some links? 

Is Allan Miller or Jim Barrett watching this thread? This would make a great "how to"Backshop article showing a few different options with Pics. Does GunRunner have a typewriter?

Joe Gozzo

Jeff, you only have to watch the For-Sale section.  I regularly have reverse boards that I get doing upgrades, and I've sold a ton of them for $10 or less.  No reason to spend a ton of money making a conventional rig.

I just went thru this with a MTH Cab Foward with PS1 , I bought the Dallee e-unit , its $79 plus the $10 switch and shipping. The way to go is convert the engine be it steam or diesel to motor it and make it TMCC  to run with the legacy 990 cab 1.   lionel sounds if your into that for a little extra to boot. Here is web site link if allowed. Very easy install and works great. All new parts and made in USA. Link: http: //www.3rdrail.com/err-3rdrail/index.html. Check prices here Link:  http://www.3rdrail.com/err-3rdrail/index.html.  Look under buy it now , here is the part number 

They have sound samples on there site. Got the ideal from Erics trains on you tube. 

Link to video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...wtCmVatM4&t=494s

If any of the links is not allowed Sorry and please remove. Dave

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Jeff, you only have to watch the For-Sale section.  I regularly have reverse boards that I get doing upgrades, and I've sold a ton of them for $10 or less.  No reason to spend a ton of money making a conventional rig.

Thank you John.  Will do.  I have my first modern locomotive, it's a Railking Mikado  which isn't worth spending money on upgrading  but I would like to give it some lap time under the tree. I have a cheap Lionel loco from years back  maybe I will take the reverse unit out of that. 

Lionel 103-100 reverse unit.  About $15.

I just took out the dead ps2 stuff and put the e unit from an old Lionel in. Back in business .

I see my last post was about an hour ago so it's a pretty quick job. So glad I didn't throw either of these engines away . 

Not sure what e unit it is, but looks like the Lionel one posted directly above. 

pennsy484 posted:

I just took out the dead ps2 stuff and put the e unit from an old Lionel in. Back in business .

I see my last post was about an hour ago so it's a pretty quick job. So glad I didn't throw either of these engines away . 

Not sure what e unit it is, but looks like the Lionel one posted directly above. 

 

Good job. I'm having PS2 problems right now. This may be an option if I can't resolve the matter myself.

Fendermain

pennsy484 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Jeff, you only have to watch the For-Sale section.  I regularly have reverse boards that I get doing upgrades, and I've sold a ton of them for $10 or less.  No reason to spend a ton of money making a conventional rig.

Thank you John.  Will do.  I have my first modern locomotive, it's a Railking Mikado  which isn't worth spending money on upgrading  but I would like to give it some lap time under the tree. I have a cheap Lionel loco from years back  maybe I will take the reverse unit out of that. 

John, I wanted to say thank you for the information and advice here and on other threads. Your comments on techniques, tools, and components very often nudge, inform, and inspire me in ways that really further my success and enjoyment of the hobby. Sorry, I can be pretty sappy. 🙂

Sappy or not, I appreciate the thought Jeff.

I assume convention still means old lionel AC.   To me the most cost effective way to convert would be remove or bypass all the PS2 rigoramole, and wire directly from the rollers and the wheels.    I guess you have to get a reversing unit - find an old E-unit or get an electronic one from Dallee for $45 or so.