Conversion
of
American
Flyer
Steam
Loco
to
Lionel
TrainMaster
LCRU
Using
the
Lionel
Trainmaster
allows
a
collector
operator
to
enjoy
the
advantages
of
new
technology
and
still
keep
compatibility
with
the
older
legacy
systems.
A
TMCC
converted
engine
can
still
run
on
a
conventional
non
TMCC
layout
as
it
would
before
the
conversion.
This
is
not
possible
with
a
DCC
system
Below are links to two drawings. One shows using TMCC with a stock AC motor and the other with a DC can motor conversion |
Modification for DC Motor operation
The Lionel LCRU (LiontechControlReceiverUnit) was designed to use AC motors, but by adding a rectifier as shown in the DC version drawing, you can use it to power DC can motors and have full functionality. |
Explanation of the Modification for Two Rail operation
Note that in both drawings there is a 100 micro Henry choke in the return power lead. This choke is necessary when using two rail track to ensure that the signal is not degraded when the engine is turned around on the track .(Lionel track uses the signal on both outside rails) With a two rail system when you turn an engine on the track it effectively shorts out the RF signal to the LCRU in the engine. This is why you put the RF choke in the common lead. The RF choke looks like an open circuit to the RF and it is not shorted out. Leaving it out, the engine will run fine one direction but lousy if turned around. The diagrams are for a typical American flyer tender. The Headlight and Smoke unit are wired for independent control. The smoke unit is on at a full 14 volts whenever engine is in motion making for a great smoke output. Smoke is off when engine is stopped and the headlight stays on.. When using the AC version you will need to add a additional two contact connector for the smoke and headlight wiring |
Wiring
Diagram
for
LCRU
in
an
AF
tender
Using
a
DC
Motor
Wiring
Diagram
for
LCRU
in
an
AF
tender
Using
a
AC
Motor
Parts List:
Lionel LCRU Part #610-8042-126 available from Digital
Dynamics
Rectifier Radio Shack Part #276-1661
RF Choke Radio Shack Part #273-102
1uf NonPolarized Cap. Radio Shack Part#272-996
Side
view
of
a
American
Flyer
Hudson
Tender.
The
RF
choke
is
shown
in
this
Picture Click for a larger view. |
|
The
Rectifier
diode
is
shown
in
the
picture
in
to
the
Right Click for a larger view |
|
Since this is a metal tender I have mounted the antenna under the chassis. The Antenna is made from Fiber Glass vector board with a 24 gauge wire loop woven around into it. The board is fastened to the tender chassis using a screw as a standoff. I will Paint it black to help Hide it. This configuration has proved to be very reliable. | |
The
Picture
on
the
right
shows
the
routing
of
the
antenna
lead
from
the
LCRU
through
the
chassis
to
the
Antenna Click for a larger view. |
|
This is the Program/Run switch. |