Q: Has anybody here designed an electric E-Unit for classic/Conventional engines?

Dallee makes electronic e-units.

https://www.dallee.com/E-Units.html

@Homey B posted:

Before I go buying a new-to-me 2-position E-Unit..

The electronic replacements are around $60.

If your beat-up Texas Special is an Alco(assuming from the reference to a 2 position reverse), you have the choice of using another 2 position reverse, or a 3 position, or a modern electronic replacement. You can get a good parts engine with a serviceable E-Unit for a lot less than $60.

Dallee 4, 6, and 12 amp E-Units are a universal replacement for all types of locomotive E-Units.

These E-Units power AC/Series motors as well as DC type motors!

Thanks to @ADCX Rob for providing an important link.  Because it's a search link however you'll need a little patience to look through the set of hits that come back when you click on it.

In that set I've personally used the units offered by seller jcvalue on eBay.  They were for a long time an excellent value with good performance at a really good price.

Unfortunately, like everything else you see when you click on Rob's link, the price has gone up over the last two years.

I'm still pleased with the performance though, and jcvalue's offerings are still at least a reasonably good value, even with the increase.

Mike

I rebuilt an e-unit for my original 671.  If I had to do it for an engine I just bought, I would definitely look into an electronic version. There’s a special tool needed to put the drum back into the e-unit, and it costs well over $60. Since I didn’t see using that tool more than once, I opted not to buy it.  If you don’t want that tool, checkout YouTube for some helpful videos.

I have been using JV Digital Engineering's they work great and the slow speed control of locos is very good they do not drop out at low voltages like others I have tried. very small footprint and can be used with AC or DC motors with a diode bridge. found him on Ebay. $60 each.

@Rick Rubino posted:

I have been using JV Digital Engineering's they work great and the slow speed control of locos is very good they do not drop out at low voltages like others I have tried. very small footprint and can be used with AC or DC motors with a diode bridge. found him on Ebay. $60 each.

Rick,

I too have been pleased with the JV Digital Engineering E-Unit.  In fact I just received 3 of them today.

Jim

Years ago (1990's) I bought a bunch of QSI ACRU-E modules, like below, to convert some of my old PW engines over. The side view footprint is the same as the old mechanical E unit, so it could fit into anything, and wiring was pretty easy.

Not sure if they even make them anymore? The price was only about $30 back then.

Rod

Try “Depotronics “ !   They have several (for different AMP Draw)! Call them & they will tell which one to use for your specific Engine !

FREDSTRAINS

@Fredstrains posted:

Try “Depotronics “ !   They have several (for different AMP Draw)! Call them & they will tell which one to use for your specific Engine !

Fred, they're out of business.

https://slsprr.net/info_links/Depotronics.htm

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Fred, they're out of business.

https://slsprr.net/info_links/Depotronics.htm

So sorry to hear about that. They were good people with a good PRODUCT !!!

FREDSTRAINS