PS2 Upgrade in a Lionel Engine?

Hi Landon,

Unfortunately, I don't think you can upgrade that set.  The item description says the powered engine has "Pullmore" motors, which are open frame motors without a flywheel.  To convert to PS2 with any level of ease you need DC can motors with flywheels.

Thanks Dave, 

I guess I just have to get an AC/DC Commander Board from the Electric RR Company.

It's the AC Commander you want.  The DC Commander is for DC can motors, but doesn't offer cruise control.  Any of these products will function with the RailSounds Commander.

Thanks John,

I think I'm going to get the AC Commander and the Railsounds Commander, it will give the F-3 a nice touch!  

Landon, I have a 1950 Lionel Berkshire with the Pulmore motor, and have upgraded it to PS2.  Not figuring a way to mount a flywheel to a Pulmore, or to otherwise mount a timing tape, I installed a Frank Timco DC motor.  The job is described in a thread on this forum about a year ago.

Probably not worth the effort, except that this loco has sentimental value.  In the near future I'll be converting a 1953 or 1954 C&O #624 diesel switcher.

As long as you don't mind manning the throttle all the time, the AC Commander will work out fine, and they're easy to install.

GRJ has a good point.  My layout has grades.  If running conventional, one must continually adjust the throttle.  With DCS running, the speed control takes over that job.

Landon, I don't claim technical expertise, but in doing this job, I did have to call upon much experience with model trains and electronics.  A tough nut to crack was enabling DCS to trigger Lionel couplers.  Couldn't fit MTH couplers to the old Lionel equipment, so had to add a relay.

Also, when I install the AC Commander, do I have to strip the other computer chips out of the engine as well? 

You pull out the motor control circuit board.  The Conventional Railsounds can stay in, but you don't really have a method of controlling it if you shift to Command Operation.  So you may want to consider adding the Command Railsounds package.   G

When you get to the point of replacing AC motors with DC motors so you can get the kind of control you want you could consider just getting DC powered engine like a Williams and see if you can swap your shells. That would allow use of TMCC with Cruise or PS2.

I was able to find a Willliams Berk for 35 bucks and simply repainted it to look like a Lionel 726. I suspect there are similar deals on Williams F3s out there.

Pete

Norton, you're right.  But I had sentiment for the Berk my parents gave me in 1950.  I'm sure the Williams, upgraded, would have been a better runner.  The Pulmor gearset was, and is, lousy!  Switching the motors requires installing a can motor with a Pulmor compatible worm.

RJR, I get the sentimental thing. I have left my post war alone for that reason. My post was more aimed at the OP as an alternative.

Pete