Question about LCRU boards...

Besides a Command Base & a Cab 1 only ONE  of EACH, the only thing you need to add to  each loco is a LCRU (Lionel Command Reversing Unit). It will give you TMCC command control of the locos (both with DC can & AC universal motors) and control of coil couplers (except MTH Proto 2 couplers). I used these on all my locos until ERR came out with the Cruise Commander and Cruise Commander Lite. I cannot address sound or smoke as i never use smoke and did some creative work arounds for for horn/whistle and bell sounds.

Unless you're getting a killer deal on the LCRU or LCRU2, I'd really consider the ERR products.  You get an up to date board that is documented, supported, and isn't 20+ years old.

Most of the LCRU stuff I see on eBay is as expensive as the ERR AC or DC Commander, and you would be far better off with the ERR boards.  Add a little money and you have cruise for DC motors, you really will never look back!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Unless you're getting a killer deal on the LCRU or LCRU2, I'd really consider the ERR products.  You get an up to date board that is documented, supported, and isn't 20+ years old.

Most of the LCRU stuff I see on eBay is as expensive as the ERR AC or DC Commander, and you would be far better off with the ERR boards.  Add a little money and you have cruise for DC motors, you really will never look back!

Perhaps I'm incorrect, but you need to add (at minimum) an L4RC board to the DC commander to get it running, correct?  I've seen the LCRU boards go pretty cheap on ebay from time to time.   60, maybe 80 bucks or so....   A DC/AC commander plus L4RC will put you at around 150.   Converting multiple locos that all starts to add up.... just weighing my options I suppose...

GRJ's advice is very correct. I checked my files: LCRU's brand new retailed for $60 each plus about $5 or $6 for shipping (up to 3) with directions and all necessary parts (capacitors) and a warranty. I recently got rid of all mine for $20 or $25 each and was happy to get it.

@Loochy88 posted:

Perhaps I'm incorrect, but you need to add (at minimum) an L4RC board to the DC commander to get it running, correct?  I've seen the LCRU boards go pretty cheap on ebay from time to time.   60, maybe 80 bucks or so....   A DC/AC commander plus L4RC will put you at around 150.   Converting multiple locos that all starts to add up.... just weighing my options I suppose...

Actually, the R4LC comes with the AC or DC commander in the package, so it's zero dollars extra.

@modeltrainsparts posted:

GRJ's advice is very correct. I checked my files: LCRU's brand new retailed for $60 each plus about $5 or $6 for shipping (up to 3) with directions and all necessary parts (capacitors) and a warranty. I recently got rid of all mine for $20 or $25 each and was happy to get it.

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places, but 60 bucks for the ability to run TMCC sounds like a steal.  and 20 bucks, I'll buy any that anyones got left at that cost. 

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Actually, the R4LC comes with the AC or DC commander in the package, so it's zero dollars extra.

I didn't realize that!  Good to know!  They had it listed as a separate product on the ordering page so I thought it came separate.

The AC or DC Commander is a far superior solution, for one thing the 100 step mode will give you MUCH smoother running, and much better low speed performance.  Of course, for every DC commander I sell, I sell twenty Cruise Commanders, it's my go-to product for upgrading anything with a DC motor.

Note they specifically mention the R4LC in the product listing for each of the products that it comes with.

I removed the LCRU2 and used the AC Commander when I added a second motor to my Lionel Phantom Locomotive.  It made a HUGE difference in performance and gives it really good low speed handling.

Forum thread: Improving the Lionel Phantom Locomotive

Drop me a line if you need ERR stuff.

Thank you!  This really helps clear things up.  I'll reach out if I decide to purchase one!

ERR products are the way to go, the price difference between the Ebay listing posted is minimal.  BTW i did just install a LCRU but the board was free. 

Definably buy from GRJ or from err . Up to date products plus tech support.  Another source is Ed Goldin at Goldinhands .com

Bob G.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Unless you're getting a killer deal on the LCRU or LCRU2, I'd really consider the ERR products.  You get an up to date board that is documented, supported, and isn't 20+ years old.

Most of the LCRU stuff I see on eBay is as expensive as the ERR AC or DC Commander, and you would be far better off with the ERR boards.  Add a little money and you have cruise for DC motors, you really will never look back!

$105 does not seem like a killer deal to me. More like a deal killer. I agree that ERR is a much better bet.

@RoyBoy posted:

$105 does not seem like a killer deal to me. More like a deal killer. I agree that ERR is a much better bet.

There are some other deals out there on the LCRU that are a bit cheaper (and come with railsounds).  Still not sure which direction I'm going to go but I agree the ERR boards look to be top notch.

FYI, the old Railsounds 2.5 that you'll find paired with LCRU boards isn't nearly as high quality sound as the new RailSounds boards.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

FYI, the old Railsounds 2.5 that you'll find paired with LCRU boards isn't nearly as high quality sound as the new RailSounds boards.

I don't doubt it.  I think for the time being I'm going to give it a shot and see what a 50 dollar LCRU/RS2.5 board can do for me.  I do expect to try the AC / DC Commander in the future though.