I have a dual-motored K-Line Budd set (3 cars and 1 is powered) Motors are the can DC type. the electronic reverse board is bad, and they seem to go for $30+. Can I instead use an e-unit and then from there rectifiy the AC to DC? I know how to use a bridge rectifier for this ac to dc conversion. Any advice is appreciated.
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Yes, you can do that. You will have to rewire the E-unit to work properly. You can use either AC or DC to energize the E-unit coil
Use the rectifier to apply DC to the outer/continuous bands on the drum and use the inner, switching contacts on the drum to apply switched/reversed DC to the motor.
30+ may be right for a 6amp reverse board, but your talking about the small Motors that are under the frame? Those boards are about 22.50. but if you have an old e around yes you can use that.
What is that buzzing sound?
RoyBoy, I like your idea of using the rectifier before (instead of after) the e-unit.
Also, another question . . . .I have limited space in this Budd car. Does an e-unit work sideways, or does it need to be upright? It seems to me that gravity is needed for it to work. Dave.
It needs gravity.
If your e-unit is PW you can sell it for more than a Lionel basic Electronic E-unit. G
I noticed that most AF e-units sit sideways rather than vertical like the lionel units. I don't have enough space for a vertical, but do have the space for the AF type. The AF types go for $18 on ebay which includes the shipping. An electronic unit from Lionel goes for $19, but then there is $9 shipping, bringing up to almost $30.
This is for the old K-line RDC commuter train set (1 powered, 2 dummies). Right now I inserted a bridge rectifier to get DC to the motors. Runs great, but of course does not reverse or go in neutral.
Rectifier must be before the E-unit drum, or loco will not reverse.
I raise question of whether feeding DC to the solenoid coil would cause it to overheat.
Lionel did make a flat mounted spring loaded E-unit for a couple of engines. They might be hard to find but they did make them.
I can sell you a Lionel 103E shipped for $20. A smaller Dallee Low amp one for $15 shipped. If you need a good 6amp version I can sell you a Williams for $30 shipped.
While cheaper, I do have to believe your not going to like the modified Mechanical E conversion as much as back to an electronic one. E-mail in profile, G
I was unhappy with performance of the spring-loaded E-unit on a 1946 #726, and replaced it with a QSI ACRU, which has been perfect. They are no longer available unless you can find someone wanting to sell one they have squirreled away.
He needs a DC unit. Lionel still has AC units (SSRU and even more modern ones) if you need one for a AC motor engine. G
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