Up grade ?

Brent,

You would be looking at just over $200 for parts, but I don't know what the going rate of Labor would be.  Williams engines are very easy to upgrade - I've done several myself and it is very easy to do.  I think this would be much cheaper overall than getting a Legacy set.

I don't think cruise would be that expensive, check with boxcar bill.  I bought stuff from him in the past but don't want to quote the price.  An alternative would be to use insulating pins on the center rail of the downgrade and provide lower voltage on that side.  If you have a transformer with two variable handles you are golden.  If not, a second transformer properly phased will give you the flexibility.  You are also dealing with a pretty steep grade using Lionel trestles.  

Yes, you need a cruise control. The Wms FA-1's are great (have them; modified), but their gearing is so-so (could be worse, should be lower), and all you need is a Cruise Commander.

It's around $200 for cruise/command/sound; BUT if all you need is a cruise control - essentially you are replacing the reversing unit but continuing a conventional setup - you will not need the radio board or the sound board. Just the Cruise Commander with internal cruise control.

Contact Modern Toy Train Parts (Boxcar Bill); he'll set you straight. You can do this yourself. Really.

Or for just a few bucks you could isolate the grade with plastic track pins and install a resistor between the track and transformer to lower the voltage going to the downgrade section. You would have to determine about how far down to turn the voltage first. But don't ask me what value resistor to use:  I've never done it, but it's an old, old trick that works as long as you always run your trains in the same direction. Maybe one of those old Lionel rheostats would even work.

Brent,

ERR Cruise Commander is the way to go, and an especially easy DIY install on WBB diesels as there's lots of room inside to work with. i believe Boxcar Bill sells this at a discount, but don't hold me to it.

I'm not sure what the going rate others charge for this but i get $125 parts and labor for a Cruise Commander installed. Diesel Railsounds (optional) is an additional $85 (parts and labor), and if it has WBB True Blast there's a good chance i can save your horn, bell and limited motor sounds for only $25 (parts and labor) as an alternative to adding Railsounds.

jackson

I have the GN FA1 ABA. Two things I did that helps with grades or changes in height on the track. First The B unit is powered and the motors are slaved off the A units 6amp board. Second: both motors in the A and B units have been wired in series which allow for slower starting speeds and less throttle to move the engine IE better speed control.  Its one of only 2 conventional engines I own, but because of the mods I did, I am not in a hurry to upgrade to either PS3 or ERR. Yes it just nice to run convectional once in a while.  New planed layout will require an upgrade.

I believe Williams by Bauchmann sells a power truck kit. They are worth pcking up. Maybe the cruise control but I have no idea how it will work.