Question about power for new ACE trains

@George S posted:

I think I am going to toggle my DC power supply to the track. I have been testing with a P.H. Hobbies PS3 filtered DC 3 amp power supply that I have for G gauge trains. It runs the engine very smoothly and has fine slow speed control. I was worried that it had too much power for this engine since the engine is rated at 12 volts and the power supply can put out 20 volts, but the throttle seems to have nice voltage control at the low end of the range.

One thing I will need to do is to ensure that the section of track I use this on is completely isolated from a separately powered block that could be running AC with a different train. I usually connect loops with switching track and it could cross over a Standard gauge loop.

George

George,

BE A MAN! Crack that thing open, isolate the DC leads on the motor and install a Dallee 4 amp reversing unit. AC ALL THE WAY!

Jim

@Jim Waterman posted:

George,

BE A MAN! Crack that thing open, isolate the DC leads on the motor and install a Dallee 4 amp reversing unit. AC ALL THE WAY!

Jim

I've done this on a couple of Ace / Darstaed engines.  Very easy (hey, I did it), and much simpler than trying to juggle AC and DC power sources on a layout.

It should be noted that this thread started 3 years ago; I assume that @George S got it figured out by now.

I Just added a DPDT Knife switch and a rectiformer to the track power supply, I WILL NOT change the prewar 20v DC locos I have so I'm kinda stuck.  Work well however. My Darstead Mallard is 20vAC from the factory. Pulls 12 teak coaches!