TMCC CULVERT loader

Good question.  I'll be following this post closely.  I have both the loader and unloader and share the same frustration.

  Not detailed, but it won't be too hard. You need a DC source (off that board or by adding a bridge rectifier or diodes to ac to get dc) a switch, or a button (a #90?) & some wire. Jump right to the motor and the tmcc will likely function along with the addition.

With electronics, the ground is usually switched off/on vs the hot, so check , but then follow suit. Your button OR tmcc giving the motor it's  ground should activate it. TMCC shouldn't really be affected by jumping in a plain button.

 Note: I'm also going by the pw version mechanically. It's motor is driven in only one direction and has no limit switches. I assume that a continuous DC can motor was the big change mechanically. If you know of any limit switches at the crane beam's ends, this won't work without edit.

(Original was an ac vibration motor. They are a inline motor (like an e unit or switches coil) It pulls and a thread tightens up and turns pulley slightly. It springs back, the line slackens/slips on the pulley so headway is not lost, and the process repeats , quickly. )

It really can't be 'uncommanded' easily. One hurtle is the limit switches that reverse motion of the grappler. Relays will need to be used to reverse the DC polarity. Do you still want the lights to flash, you will need a circuit board for that.

I knew the unloader used limit switches, but thought they would have been skipped on the loader since it originally only needed to turn one direction. (Or did I forget/mix My accessories?) 

Seems like over engineering in a way; I.e., tech for techs sake.

The remake is a totally different animal than the original.

Is your loader 6-82029 or 6-82030?  Unless the online manual is completely way off, programming and operating that loader according to the manual seems pretty straight forward for an accessory and not what you describe.  Have I got the wrong accessory?

TMCC Culvert Loader Manual

Mine are the 6-22975 and 6-22965.

Ok.  Have you tried wiring as per page 3 of the manual for conventional operation?

Manual 6-22975

The OP is command version. Without major rebuild, can't be conventionally controlled.

Mine is like the 2nd picture, two terminals and a run-program switch only.

The manual shown is for the UN-loader FYI. Though it may be common instructions between the two.....????

It's the same setup for both.

Sad. I had the original as part of the 1957 N&W freight set. That didn't work right either. But I sure wish I had it today.

Gerry

NO  The tmcc version cannot be operated conventionally.  It has a single pair of terminals to input transformer power that activates the car position sensors just like the conventional model.  the only way to activate the carriage is to address the loader as an engine thru the cab and hold the boost button on the cab down during the whole loading process.  the same pair of terminals power the tmcc receiver and driver ,and power the travel limit switches .(there are two). and the DC motor. Also, Lionel has a video on their site which explains how to adjust the travel by moving the limit switches.  This is not doable unless you drill additional holes in the beam to secure the cherry switche holding screws closer or further from the end of the beam.  Another flaw in the design.

I converted my culvert unloader to external manually operated remote control using two toggle switches. Circuit diagram attached.

Thanks for posting the diagram.  It looks interesting but probably beyond my capabilities.

What is the product number of the unloader you converted?