Carlisle and Finch Power Supply

Jim Kelly has revived some Carlisle & Finch, and is a forum member. www.tinplatetimes.com  C&F did use a lot of wood in their models, but I'm not sure of the exact method they used for 2-rail wheel insulation and pickup. Does your model have a reverse unit somewhere? Here's a few clues, I hope. 

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...ndamp-tender-ca-1909

A Carlisle & Finch unit just sold on the bay for about $1000.00. My buddy John was very happy with the selling price.

Steve

Photo inset (upper right) shows an early method of controlling track voltage for a Carlisle and Finch layout, using regular house lighting power without a transformer. A bank of light bulbs wired in parallel was wired in series with the track circuit. The more lamps that are screwed in to turn them on, the faster the train goes. I'm wondering, what voltage range did those motors run on?

The locomotive you inherited is a C & F No. 4. It came with a tender. It is embossed "131" and I think it is probably relatively late production ca. 1911-15. Your loco appears to have been overpainted in black, which is common. They can usually be revived and made to run, once the theory of operation is understood. The system is 2" gauge, 2 rail, meaning that the distance between the rails is 2" and the electrical design requires providing current to the two rails and thus to the two sides of the loco. The frame of the loco is wood so that the two sides are insulated from one another, as the axles are also insulated with wood. The reverse switch is wired into the motor circuit. I can provide a wiring diagram if you need it. Good luck getting it back into shape. I would strip off the overpaint and try to get it back as close as possible to they way it was originally.

A wiring diagram would be very helpful. 

Ace posted:

Photo inset (upper right) shows an early method of controlling track voltage for a Carlisle and Finch layout, using regular house lighting power without a transformer. A bank of light bulbs wired in parallel was wired in series with the track circuit. The more lamps that are screwed in to turn them on, the faster the train goes. I'm wondering, what voltage range did those motors run on?

Another one of those pesky diners!

Erfurt posted:

A wiring diagram would be very helpful. 

I'm travelling currently, but I can get it to you when I get home. Please remind me in a couple of weeks.

Did you ever get this running?   I just inherited one myself.

....Roger

I was able to get it running. I had to clean off the drum under the firehouse. Once I cleaned it I just move the lever to engage power. 

I am using a Lionel transformer, and plan to lay the track around the Christmas tree this year.

Hello C&F owner ..you may wish to use a DC power source for your engine.   The original  design was for DC , the motor will run cooler and much more happily. 

Good luck

Carey