S-Gauge AC Verses DC

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am looking to switch from HO to S guage and I am looking for information regarding the pros and cons of A/C verses D/C operation.

Specifically , I am looking for either a book or perhaps some articles that would help me understand the pros and cons so I can make a decision and finish planning my new layout.

Does anyone have any suggested reading material, books or forums where I can find out more about American Flyer / S-Gauge electronics?

I have looked through S Guagian, the NASG website, and various manufacturers to no avail.

Thanks,
Jim

[brianel027]

Jim, I'm a 3-railer, not a S-gauger. But I'm sure that as with many of today's trains, companies are using can DC motors more and more in locomotives. Granted, many of my locos are lower end Lionel and K-Line, but I have discovered a marked improvement in overall operation by using DC current - that is AC circuit board removed and going DC all the way. Speed is more consistant and smooth. Engines run a little more quietly.
Yes, I am in the [8] league of 3-rail train operators.

I do have a throw switch so I have the ability to run AC current if I need to. I do have locos that run alright as is. As well as having some older Lionel locos with the open frame pull-more motor. They'll run on DC too if need be. But I have AC for those. My locos that have had circuit boards removed are all marked underneath with a code.
Of course, I don't use any digital control and prefer off-board sound. And I do lose the "neutral" position by not having the circuit board in some locos. But the improvement in operation is worth that inconvenience. Besides, I have enough insultated blocks, so I can compensate for that loss. I do notice I have to clean the track and locomotive wheels more using DC current, but I was always pretty good about that anyways. DC current has that effect I've been told.

As far as books, I do know K-Line has reprinted the American Flyer service manual... whether there would be info in there you could use, I don't know. I've flipped through it and it does seem pretty thorough. And Classic Toy Trains does review the new 'S' guage product - the new stuff today gets good marks. Seems to me there's been some stories done on guys with 'S' scale layouts.

Maybe someone else into American Flyer can add their 2 or 3¢ worth from here.

[Anonymous]

Jim, I have American Flyer trains and I'm already looking at converting to can DC can motors. i have seen them offered some where on the web. Also Buy a better track system Like American Models or S-helper service. AF track oxidizes quickly in my opinion. Their curves are to sharp as well 19 inch radius, I have a hard time with my super chief pulling long wheel based cars, and they look funney in the curves as well. I don't know if S-helper service fast track is noisey like Lionel's[:0]


WELCOME TO "S" Carpenter Matt

[Anonymous]

Thanks - brianel, Agent 027 and Carpenter Matt,

You comments are greatly appreciated. Now I can proceed to my next stage of planning.

Last night, I noticed an article in this month's Classic Toy Trains about that A/C to D/C switch you mentioned.

All of this really helps me get a better perspective on what I need to do to make my dreams not only a reality, but expandable as well.

Thanks again - and If any one else has any suggestions, please pass them along.

Sincerely,
Jim :-)

[Anonymous]

Jim, Since you are starting from scratch as it sounds DC is the way to go. If you want to purchase old American flyer stuff you can convert them to DC for little cost. Check out www.portlines.com it is the web site for SNS trains that sell can motor conversions.


Carpenter Matt

[lionelsoni]

Does everyone understand that you don't need to replace the motor to convert from AC to DC? The "AC" motors are actually universal motors that will run on either AC or DC.

If you just give them DC they will run, and the reversing will work the same familiar way as with AC, by interrupting the voltage to cycle through forward, neutral, and backwards. However, if you want to run on DC in the same way as scale modelers do, using the DC polarity instead to control the direction, there is a simple modification that does not involve replacing the motor: Simply remove the reversing unit and put a bridge rectifier on either the armature or the field (not both).

[Anonymous]

I suggest that you sign up with [e-mail]. There are a number that use DC on the list that could advise you.