American Models diesel engine question

Dave, assuming it is just for running the engine conventionally on AC track power, AM sells their EE410 for $45. It is what AM includes in their engines when purchased with the AC power option. The choice of preference for American Flyer engines retrofitted with DC can motors has been the Dallee #400 for $60. Unfortunately it is listed as out of stock until at least May. Some retailers may have one in stock. Dallee has the 12A version in stock but it is $100, a waste of money for a motor that draws no more than 2A.

@Drummer3 posted:

I have an s-scale  (not s-gauge) American Models diesel that runs on DC.  Is there a board or circuit I can install in the diesel so it will run on AC current?

If you just want to run the engine in the forward direction  a simple remedy would be to add a rectifier between the track power and the can motor. Seeing your YouTube videos you seem to enjoy running trains,the rectifier would only cost a few dollars and would allow running on ac power.

As a side note if the engine has scale wheels try to avoid Flyer switches or turnouts if you prefer, scale wheels don't like the switches.

Ray

Here's what is working now on 1 loop using a bridge rectifier.   Will need to add a DPDT direction switch too.

Does the AM  EE410 convert AC to DC for the motor?   I see it is also a directional board (like an e-unit).

Thanks for the advice.

@Drummer3 posted:

Here's what is working now on 1 loop using a bridge rectifier.   Will need to add a DPDT direction switch too.

Does the AM  EE410 convert AC to DC for the motor?   I see it is also a directional board (like an e-unit).

Thanks for the advice.

Dave,

I don't have the A M website up at the present time but I am sure what Tom posted is the reversing unit A M uses, that will have the rectifier to convert the AC to DC for the can motor.

Ray

I spoke with AM today and learned that the module does both.   That is, it converts AC to DC for the motor, and is also an e-unit for back and forward.  (Not sure if it has the neutral mode...I forgot to ask).

@Drummer3 posted:

I spoke with AM today the the module does both.   That is, it converts AC to DC for the motor, and is also a reversing unit for back and forward.  Not sure if it has the neutral mode.

It does have a neutral mode, it's a three step reversing unit.

Ray

Ray is of course correct. The nice thing about these units is after 6 seconds of no power they reset to forward. There are settings on the board that allow the user to select startup in Neutral.

I'll second Ray's post.  I am in the process of scratch building a locomotive and contacted AM for the running gear.  It's not the first time I've used their circuit boards.  I also install a DPDT switch to bypass the board in case I want to run DC, like on my club's display layout, or on another club member's layout.  Here's the frame with the circuit board installed (the board has since been straightened):

Jerry Poniatowski

Brighton, MI

@poniaj posted:

I'll second Ray's post.  I am in the process of scratch building a locomotive and contacted AM for the running gear.  It's not the first time I've used their circuit boards.  I also install a DPDT switch to bypass the board in case I want to run DC, like on my club's display layout, or on another club member's layout.  Here's the frame with the circuit board installed (the board has since been straightened):

Jerry Poniatowski

Brighton, MI

Jerry,

I and I'm sure others will be interested in following your progress on this project, what are you building?

Ray

Ray,

I don't want to hijack this thread, so I'll be brief.  I have too many things in the works and my personality is such that I keep finding more details to add and they get prolonged and I begin to lose interest.  The result?  Not many get finished.  So if I make any significant progress on this one, I'll be posting it.

Jerry (still crazy after all these years)

Here's the chassis with the body removed.    Based on the external flywheel, not sure if this is an early or late AM diesel.

Your engine is a later version, early AM diesels had the spring drive rather than the universal shafts. They are very nice running locomotives.

Ray

Hi Ray,

Do you know if I can swap out the scale wheels/axles for S-Gauge?   If so, would AM sell these?   My layout has the traditional AF track and rubber roadbed.   And . . . will also need the s-gauge AF type couplers.

The American Models website lists replacement high rail wheelsets for diesels under parts ans accessories, diesel parts. The couplers are in the same place but under the couplers heading. Were it me I would call to place the order so that I was sure to get the correct parts.

I just replaced the drivers on one of my AM Pacifics to add the Gripton traction tires. It was easy, took about 10 minutes the first time.

@Drummer3 posted:

Hi Ray,

Do you know if I can swap out the scale wheels/axles for S-Gauge?   If so, would AM sell these?   My layout has the traditional AF track and rubber roadbed.   And . . . will also need the s-gauge AF type couplers.

Tom is right on, calling the order you will be able to tell which bearings are on your axles. There are three different types but seeing that your engine has the universals it has either the D shape or the square bearings.

Ray