Hacking a Postwar Lionel Train

[iggy23]

Hi All,

 

Recently I purchased a really beaten up 2338 Milwaukee Road Diesel GP-7 from 1956.

 

I like the train but I would like to upgrade it a little bit. Since my other trains are Bluetooth I figured this would be a great chance to do something different.

I'm adding an Arduino to it. The idea is to pull out the E-Unit and the bell/whistle to make room and then put an Arduino with a speaker inside and some other goodies.

Most of the issues I have already sorted, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma trying to figure out what is the best way to control the speed of the train.

I read on the forums that using something like a Triac (Ac Dimmer) is bad

I see there is some talk about rheostat's or even maybe using a potentiometer to accomplish voltage control from 9vac to 18vac. How is this being controlled by the current modern trains?

 

So just to recap, I would like to have the track be at 100% like it is with any legacy or bluetooth trains and then have the onboard computer control the power to the motor. 

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

Thanks

Iggy

[Flintlock76]

Being strictly conventional operator I can't help you much except to say...

  aboard!

I'm sure someone here has answers for you.

 

[smokey1]

goto www.electricrr.com and you will be able to buy ac/dc commander ac version for $99.95 + shipping. 

[iggy23]

Hi, to clarify. 

 

I have basic O gauge kit trains. Like the Lionel Polar Express that are operated with Lionchief remote. So this would run on the same track.

 

I know that there are other systems out there like the ac/dc commander but I don't want to go down that path like i said i'm building my own version with an Arduino that will live inside the train. 

All I would like to know is what is the preferred way to accomplish what the ac/dc commander does regarding speed. What tech are they using to control the speed of the train. 

Based on the picture it looks like a triac or a mosfet but i don't want to spend $100 to get that info.

http://www.3rdrail.com/err-3rdrail/Manuals/Ac-V5-Inst.pdf

Thanks