Thank you so much "ROYBOY", "TEDS", & "PRRJIM" for helping out with your knowledge and advice. I did a little "test" yesterday with one of my early AC "301" Buco loco's, and it seemed to run very well around the track on DC power. The field winding did not get "hot" to touch after 5 min of continual operation, which is a good sign.
I used my DC transformer in the same manner as I do with the AC transformer - both are Buco transformers but one has a DC rectifier fitted - (power off - E-unit goes into neutral - power on again and the loco starts travelling in the forward direction - power off again - the E-unit goes into neutral again - power on again and the loco starts travelling in reverse)
The loco also seemed to run a little smoother and quieter, and also seemed to have a little more speed at basically the same control position on the transformer- or it maybe just me.
Anyway, I will keep my eye on the E-unit pivot arm becoming "magnetized" - but also now know what to do if it should happen.
Thank you so much guys, and it looks like my train life will be just that little bit more easier with only one transformer to worry about. Great forum to belong to!!
Peter on the fabulous Gold Coast in sunny Queensland, Australia.
