I have 4 Williams brass steam engines and one ABA diesel from 15-20 years ago. When they are shutdown over night with the direction lockout in forward, they are locked in reverse direction at the next startup. They all do it. I want to use them in a public display with timers and locked in forward. I have tried locking them in reverse at shutdown. When they start up, they are still locked in reverse. Any suggestions?
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When the reverse unit is NOT locked, do they start in forward?
Reverse the two motor wires.
Pete
The trains operate normally when eunit is unlocked. Thanks for the information about switching wires at the motor.
The trains operate normally when eunit is unlocked. Thanks for the information about switching wires at the motor.
If you want the option to run them either locked or unlocked you could also install a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch between the e unit and motor. One way for locked operation and the other for unlocked. Do the headlight and tender light toggle when you change direction? That could make it a little more complicated.
Pete
For foolproof display use, you really need to temporarily eliminate the reverse unit from the circuit entirely. This can also be done with a DPDT switch and a full wave bridge rectifier if you don't want to "hardwire" them for one direction only with just the rectifier.
If the reverse boards do not work properly, then there is the possibility that they are defective.
Larry
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