reversing unit for can motored locomotives

How about just wiring track voltage directly to the DC motors...then use a DC-controller (e.g., HO or G-gauge) to give you forward-neutral-reverse.  Or for, say, $5 you can adapt an AC variable output transformer to put out DC+, 0V, and DC- for fwd, neutral, rev using a bridge-rectifier and a DPDT switch.

I have recently installed a Dallee reverse board on an old Williams brass Hudson and it works perfect and easy to install. 

I thought about that too Stan, but I have still have a good number of locos that still work with their electronics, or I sent them to George to get them fixed.....and I still run some postwar stuff....So I'm sorta at a crossroads, your solution is a real good one, I even thought about splitting the road up, but even that would have its challenges....I didn't want to get some e units from one vendor, some from another vendor and so on and so on....I am hoping I could standardize the fleet so to speak.....and hoping for something cost effective...and something that will last too.....I run the crap out of my trains....heck, they are running right now...been running since 9AM EST.........Thank you Stan!

Chris Lonero posted:

I have recently installed a Dallee reverse board on an old Williams brass Hudson and it works perfect and easy to install. 

 

which unit did you use Chris?....they have 2, 4, or 12 ....I think...don't hold me to that...if I was to go with Dallee's I was thinking the minimal would be 4amp for me.....and do you like it?.....thanks for responding sir!

The Dallee #400 board works with AC or DC motors.  It is cheap with 100 percent operation.

harmonyards posted:

Chris Lonero posted:

I have recently installed a Dallee reverse board on an old Williams brass Hudson and it works perfect and easy to install. 

 

which unit did you use Chris?....they have 2, 4, or 12 ....I think...don't hold me to that...if I was to go with Dallee's I was thinking the minimal would be 4amp for me.....and do you like it?.....thanks for responding sir!

2 amp for a DC can motor.   It works flawless and I would purchase more for a future project. The foot print is very small in fact I had enough room to mount it in the engine eliminating any tether to the tender. 

Hey Marty!....first off congrats on your 35 years!.....do you think the 400 will handle RK articulated steamers?...I have 2 that are running on rectifiers now....kinda like to get them reversing here in short order...with a bridge rectifier and a 30 car train, my USRA 2-8-8-2 pulls the train 9 volts at 2 amps....thanks for your input!

Thank you.  No problem.  That Dallee unit has always been a big sleeper in the hobby.   I put more faith in the reliability of that board than any board made by any company.  

I have used that DALLEE Board as well.  Piece of cake to install and made in USA!

I used Williams by Bachmann DCRU unit until  they went up in price and got hard to get. I then went to Dallee units and both are about bullet proof. Both easy to install......Dallee very fast to respond to questions. 

BTW.....on I love toy trains that ran 7/3/17 they showed a basketball court size layout where  the owner had removed all the reverse units and ran them on DC current much like vintage HO. He loved it and was glad to get rid of reverse units. I've thought about doing the same.....and if I get mass failures on boards...I will!!! 

I have three working Williams electronic E-units with accompanying sound boards that were removed from brand new Williams locos prior to conversion to bluetooth control. All were twin motored locos so there should be plenty of power capability. If interested, contact me.

You can use Lionel 3 position reverse units with bridge rectifiers sized for the load.

BOB WALKER posted:

I have three working Williams electronic E-units with accompanying sound boards that were removed from brand new Williams locos prior to conversion to bluetooth control. All were twin motored locos so there should be plenty of power capability. If interested, contact me.

sent email Sir!!