Re: Lionel DRGW SD-50

scottn941OGR Forum Member

I own Lionel item #18221, a Rio Grande SD-50. It's equipped with this thing called a "Liontech Reverse Unit." My guess is, this was a short-lived fluke from the Neil Young era, which brings me to the following questions: Are these boards still available if mine poops out? If not, is there another replacement on the market that could substitute? Also, there are other boards and circuits in the guts of this thing, and how available are these? Just trying to figure out if I should keep it or bail, as I really don't have too many other units with all this circuitry in my collection. Thanks! -Scott in STL

8/19/149:41 PM

❤️ 0

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

AMCDaveOGR Forum Member

If you fry the board in the unit now....you can always replace it with a Dallee unit with or without sound etc. The basic reverse unit is around $50......I've used them to replace bad MTH boards on my own locos. If you like the loco keep it.....it can always be fixed......if you are not so fond.....send it to me for storage!!!!

8/19/1410:10 PM

❤️ 0

breezinupOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

It's not a "Neil Young era fluke" at all. (Don't know what your reference to "Neil Young era" means - he has remained associated with Lionel in one capacity or another, and has been a leader in development of sound systems, but all that's another matter.)

The Liontech Reverse Unit was an early term given to TMCC, and that engine is Command equipped with RailSounds II, and dual Pullmor motors. By all reports, it is a reliable and well-running engine. If you're concerned about parts, check the Lionel website and go to Parts, and type in 18221. You can answer your own questions.

You'll see that the command LCRU is still available from the Lionel parts dept. Also, parts are fairly easy to find from other sources, not to mention availability of parts using Electric Railroad components.

8/19/1410:39 PM