Hello, I have a Williams by Bachmann C&EI BL-2 Item No. 20304 that i bought in 2009. It now starts up in Forward. I would like to rewire the circuit board so engine starts up in neutral so the sequencing would be N/F/N/R/N Etc. Does any one know how to do this or have a diagram showing the rewiring information. (I already have a diagram of an older Williams board showing the rewiring. ) Now I need one showing the rewiring of a True Blast II board. Thank You
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The True Blast II circuit board controls horn and bell sounds only.
Greg is right, the sound board has nothing to do with this.
Depending on the vintage of the Williams reverse board, here's the instructions to start in neutral.
Williams Relay Reverse Board Instructions for Wiring to Start in Neutral.pdf
I think he's asking about the newer Williams reversing unit which is populated with tiny surface mounted components. These would be a challenge to modify even if a method existed. I would remove and replace the reversing unit with an older version with the thru-hole diodes which can be modified, or upgrade to an ERR DC commander which would start in neutral even in conventional mode operation. I think the Dallee and contemporary Lionel high-current units all want to start in forward.
You are correct GregR. My engine has the newer reversing board. Gunrunnerjohn, that diagram is for the older boards. I was hoping for a easy fix. May look into the ERR DC commander. Thank you all.
The reverser and sound set-up fitted by Chuck Sartor to my MTH K4 starts by cycling “steam startup” sounds, and continues to do so until it gets something over 3v. It starts in Forward, but if you press the button on the controller first, THEN increase voltage it will have cycled to the next position. Or, it has a switch to turn the reverser off, so it always starts in forward.
@trains52 posted:You are correct GregR. My engine has the newer reversing board. Gunrunnerjohn, that diagram is for the older boards. I was hoping for a easy fix. May look into the ERR DC commander. Thank you all.
If you go with ERR products, don't bother with a DC Commander. Go directly to the Cruise Commander. The slight difference in price will be offset by the pleasure of cruise control.
But if you only run conventionally, then install a Dallee 400 reverse unit. It has a plug on it so you can set "start in forward" or "start in neutral before forward."
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