Hello I have a lionel 8628 4-4-2 with a can motor. I have run this loco using DC as well as AC. What was it built to run on? If it's not AC will I ruin it if i continue (it seems to run fine). Also what date was this one released? Does it have any value, it seems like there are a lot of them around.
Thanks
Robert
Welcome Robert,
It must have a universal motor if it can run on both AC or DC, but with DC you may not be able to control the direction of travel. Made around 1992, value between $70 & $85 if in excellant condition, and as you mentioned there are many around.
Lee F.
"Can" motors are DC motors; but in almost all toy trains they are supplied from rectifiers. This allows them to run from either AC or DC, much as universal motors do. The reversing function is usually downstream from the rectifier; so it doesn't care which waveform you use either. The only thing that won't work properly is a whistle, which you may not have.
Bob Nelson
I would wager that a lot of us have the engine that got us started. Mine is a 246 Scout from 1959 or 1960, certainly not a notable engine. But I hang onto it because of the fond memories that go with it.
Joel
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