Old Command Control GP-9

I bought a NIB Milwaukee Road GP-9, 6-18565, a month or so ago.  I think it's fantastic.  I don't have any ideas for you since I've not taken mine apart, but hopefully some one can provide info for this.  I think/hope you'll be satisfied when it's fixed.

My Cab1-L/Base1-L is back at Lionel for repairs, so I only ran that via a ZW transformer.

I love the look of it I have several, so I don’t want to give up on it.

It's. classic Pullmor with an LCRU2 https://www.lionelsupport.com/...onal-GP92380-6-18564

Sorry, you are looking at the limits of that technology. I mean you could spend money and put a ERR AC Commander in place of the original LCRU2 and that is an improvement. Example https://ogrforum.com/...1#121370562252193111 ER AC commander is capable of 100 speed steps vs the standard 32. http://www.3rdrail.com/err-3rd...nuals/Ac-V5-Inst.pdf

That said, you can do the basics as is. First lube and clean that motor and get it running as good as possible.

Then, follow the manual and set your Voltage and Stall settings. These can make a difference in overall feel of control as well.

High voltage setting

Press SET, and the headlight will flash.

Get your locomotive moving to the maximum speed you want it to run, then press  BOOST.

Last, that engine did no come with electrocouplers and that's another upgrade https://ogrforum.com/...8565-coupler-upgrade

@Adam ND posted:

I picked up an old GP-9 (6-18564) from 1997, looks great. I greased and oiled it up, but boy does it run awful. Barely controllable, was wondering if anybody has any suggestions on how to get it to run smoother.

Thanks

I assume you are referring to the Pennsylvania 2028 road number (or similar).  I  have two of them which I run using TMCC (Cab 1).

The issue is the open frame "Pullmor" motors.  These are not easily controlled in general, and do not have the cruise control possible w/ can motors. I am sure that they can be improved to a degree using electronic upgrade kits, but the that may or may not be worth the cost and/or effort.

I bought some older (early 2000s) Legacy GPs, and found them to be terrific in every way, better even than some newer Legacies.  Maybe Lionel will introduce a LionChief Plus 2.0 version of the Geeps, which will have better sound and WAY better control, and cost in the mid-$300s.  I bought a LC Plus 2.0 RS-3 and love it - I immediately ordered another one!

This is one of my very early videos, so excuse my poor camera work, but this should help.

Thanks!

- Mario

remove and reseat the L2RC as sometimes they need seating, that was the case with one of mine one time

@Adam ND posted:

I picked up an old GP-9 (6-18564) from 1997, looks great. I greased and oiled it up, but boy does it run awful. Barely controllable, was wondering if anybody has any suggestions on how to get it to run smoother.

Thanks

What you are up against is the Pulmor motor versus a modern DC can motor. The engine will respond slow to speed inputs as the Pulmor motor requires much higher voltage input. Think back to the days of conventional operation. Some engines needed a good amount of input to move than they would take off.

With all due respect to the folks that love the old fashioned operating characteristics of Pullmor equipped Lionel.

From a performance standpoint. Pullmor motors are garbage.

A postwar design, power hogging , noisy excuse for an electric motor.

They really aren't good for anything other than racing around a layout. They slow down at the slightest curve or incline and switching moves are pretty much out of the question.

The easiest way to fix it is to purchase a newer "can motored "locomotive.

@rtraincollector posted:

remove and reseat the L2RC as sometimes they need seating, that was the case with one of mine one time

It's an LCRU2- nothing you can reseat on that board.

This is pre-modular motherboards and  R2LC and separate ACDR.

@Vernon Barry posted:

It's. classic Pullmor with an LCRU2 https://www.lionelsupport.com/...onal-GP92380-6-18564