In 1976 my wife gave me a Lionel 6-1587 B&O Capitol Limited Passenger Train set for Christmas. This set has a Lionel 8304 Steam Locomotive 4-4-2 with a 2 position Reversing Unit (and smoke) with an 8040-100 “Double Field” motor.
The associated Tender 8142T-8 provides “Sounds of Steam.”
This entry level set is not “top of the line,” but the Tender and Passenger cars are marked for B&O and my father was a conductor on “The Diplomat” (comparable to the Capitol Limited). Hence, my affinity for this Locomotive and Passenger cars.
The Passenger cars are 9500 series “Baby Madison” cars. The Tender and Passenger Cars use dummy non-operating couplers.
Although I have modern era Lionel locomotives using Command Control, my goal is to upgrade this system but retain Conventional Control.
- install a 3-position e-unit – preferably an electronic version.
- implement a whistle controlled via my KW Transformer.
- Replace the trucks on the Tender and Cars with operating couplers.
Status of the Locomotive Motor and E-Unit
The mechanical 2 position E-Unit (Lionel Part 101-1) has failed, and as noted above my plan is to replace it with a 3 position E-Unit. (I never liked the absence of a “neutral” position.)
To facilitate this, I have modified the motor, as depicted in Greenberg’s Operating & Repair Manual – Lionel Fundimensions Trains: 1970 – 1978 page 31. (Attachment 1). This Schematic depicts converting a “Double Field” to a “Single Field” which abandons or eliminates from the circuit, one of the field windings.
I followed this modification and as verification of success, I tested forward-reverse operation of the motor via alligator clips, jumpers, and my KW transformer.
(I carefully retained leads to the abandoned field wiring so I can “back out” of this modification.)
The attached schematic (Attachment 1) indicates a suitable 3 position E-unit replacement is Lionel 100-11. Used versions of this unit are available on e-bay. However, I prefer today’s electronic versions.
My on-line search for a replacement electronic unit has led me to Dallee’s 4-amp #400 Unit. However, using the physical dimensions given, I concluded I do not have the required physical space in the locomotive to accommodate the #400 Unit. Therefore, I will need to locate it in the tender which already has the “Sounds of Steam” components.
To accommodate this configuration in the Tender, I will need, in addition to the Dallee #400, a right-angle connector (Dallee #614). Plus a 6-pin male-female connector to separate/disconnect the engine from the Tender. (I have not yet found this item.)
I have not located a replacement for the “Sound of Steam.” My desire is to implement a whistle controlled via my KW transformer versus a separate device.
As a side note, I have already started upgrading the lighting in the Baby Madison cars to LED strips using GRJ’s 20110 Lighting Regulators with positive results.
Summary:
I need input, positive or negative and suggestions on the following items:
Conversion of the motor to accommodate a 3 position E-Unit and finding an electronic replacement.
Location of the replacement E-Unit, especially in the Tender. I have noted some of the issues above (size – fit – placement and connectors to disconnect the Tender/Engine. (I have viewed the offerings of ERR by 3rd Rail but since many items have become unavailable due to component obsolescence, I do not view this as viable.)
Previous Posts have indicated the Sounds of Steam board has limited life – capacitor failure. Therefore, this is a candidate to upgrade with whistle sounds if something is available that operates via the KW Transformer. Comments are appreciated.
Thanks
