Williams engines wired in series

[mpzpw3]

A couple weeks ago I made the plunge, and converted a couple Williams engines to series wiring. It worked really well, and inhanced the slow speed performance remarkably. A nice little side effect of the modification concerns double-heading. Before the mod., when I double-headed engines it worked for a little while, and then one would always go into neutral (usually over a switch). Wiring in series seems to have ended that problem. I am guessing it is because more voltage is applied to the track.

I know this topic has been done to death, but it really does make a difference. I used to think the people complaining about their Williams engines going to fast just weren't pulling enough cars. I was mistaken!

[phillyreading]

Another cure may be to buy and use a modern type transformer as they have lower starting voltages than the post war transformers.

So far I don't have a problem with double heading a couple of powered Williams diesels, I have taken out the reversing feature in two of my SD-45's and installed a bridge rectifier instead as that allows me only one direction. Might be the bridge rectifier lowers the voltage too not sure on that.

Lee F.

[mpzpw3]

Phillyreading, You are correct. I am currently using a modern ZW with 3 180 watt bricks, command base, and cab-1. This transformer has helped a lot with the slow speed operation of my Williams loco.'s, as the can be kinda "fine-tuned" for speed with this set-up. That being said, the series wiring modification allowed that "fine-tuning" to take place at even a lower speed than before.

[phillyreading]

mpzpw3, are you doing yard switching for needing such a slow speed, I can't think of any other reason for such a slow speed.  

Also have you tried using a TPC 300?  I think that is what it is called and it can be used with TMCC stuff and Cab-1 for better speed control.

Lee F.