I have done it only to a pair of 623 switchers, which one expects to run slowly. I also use type Z transformers, which have plenty of voltage headroom.
Bob Nelson
As Bob said, the one drawback can be not enough top end speed if your transformer put out 18 volts or less I would not do it. That is why I switched my own back to factory wiring.
Roger
Motors wired in series consume the same power as motors wired in parallel at the same speed. What is different is that they need twice the voltage and draw half the current at the same speed. By doubling the starting voltage, series wiring may solve the problem of a transformer whose lowest voltage is too high for the locomotive. Series wiring also effectively doubles the resolution of the transformer's control handle, making speed adjustment easier. The downside is that the transformer may not be able to reach the voltage needed for the maximum speed that you want to run at.
Don't forget that when you re-wire your Williams engines for series you VOID the factory Warrenty!!
Personally I would go for a lower power transformer than wiring the Williams motors in series. Also I use my Williams SD-45's with a postwar 275 watt ZW and I have no need of running the Williams engines any slower than what the ZW puts out at low end power. If I was to re-wire my Williams SD-45's or F-7's for series wiring I would be afraid of stalling the engines on the backside of my layout.
Maybe my power from the wall is lower than other people's but I don't see any reason to re-wire a Williams engine for series. I had to add another powered unit to my Williams Santa Fe passenger set to get some decent speed from the F-7 engines.
Lee F.
When you rewire your locomotive, don't forget to replace your headlight bulb with an LED equivalent. LED's generate almost no heat in comparison to incandescent bulbs.
I rewired all my twin motor diesels from Williams and Lionel when the OGR article came out.
The differance in running is fantastic. Had no problems with light bulbs doing any damage. They do shine a bit brighter. Try the same tip if you have any twin motor steam locos.( K-Line Allegany) If you have a MRC tech 4 controller try running your non command Lionels with that. It has the same effect as cruise control.
Full Throttle, Ripley Manor
All Lionel all the time.
Okiechoochoo
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