After some anxiety, I bit the bullet, and successfully completed my first install of an ERR, AC Commander. The victim was an MPC, Southern Pacific F3 with a non-functioning e-unit. It was very straight forward, and went together with no problem. It runs and reverses smoothly and quietly, with no buzzing and much less growl.
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Nice job. When you run it with the CAB2, pick the R100 control type, you'll get smoother performance and good low speed control. I was impressed with how well a dual-motor Pulmore locomotive runs with the ERR AC Commander. Here's the upgrade I did, first I had to add the second motor, then I put in the AC Commander.
Thanks, John! Wow, that Phantom project is something! I discovered the R100 mode worked best on my F3 as well. I was very surprised at how smooth and quiet it ran after after switching from TMCC mode. I've got a Burlington F3 I'm going to do next, then I might tackle a steamer. I've got a Lionel 1-700e Hudson that would be perfect for this sort of upgrade. Will just need to figure out how to wire a tether from the motor to the tender. I'm always learning!
I was amazed by the low speed performance after adding the second motor and then the AC Commander. The old LCRU was not nearly as responsive. FWIW, before adding the motor to the Phantom, it couldn't pull my five passenger cars on level Atlas track, it was pathetic! After the addition, it was able to pull 20 cars up the 2% grade at the club without breaking a sweat. It's like a new engine. I was thinking of converting it to DC motors with cruise, but after the upgrade, I decided to leave well enough alone.
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