How do you bypass e-unit on L spur gear drive steamer?

[Poppa_Zit]

Asked on behalf of a friend who normally repairs Gilbert Flyer:

"Does anyone on this list either 1) know how to bypass the e-unit on a Lionel spur gear drive steam locomotive to directly test the motor (like we can do easily on AF locos through the jack panel) or 2) refer me to someone who does know how to do this?"

He thanks you in advance.

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Poppa-   All your friend has to do is remove the e-unit from the frame & it will no longer be grounded to the Motor & then use some clip leads from the connections on the field to the brushplate to get the motor to run without the reverse unit & use a clip lead from one Transformer Post to a Pickup Roller & another from the Transformer to the Motor frame. Hope this helps. Take Care.

[Jumijo]

Keith,

Any chance of you relocating to Massachusetts?! 

Jim 

[1688torpedo]

 Only if I can find a Ranch House with a Train Room complete with a Corvair or a Cutlass in the Garage at an affordable Price. & the Taxes have to be reasonable too. Take Care.

[lionelsoni]

There are generally three possibilities:

Scout:  The e-unit is part of the motor.

Three-position e-unit:  If you know that the e-unit is in neutral, switch it off.  If you have no way to tell, disconnect the e-unit wires from the motor brushes.  There is no need to remove the e-unit from its mounting.  Then connect one transformer terminal to one brush.  Connect the other brush to the field terminal.  Connect the other transformer terminal to the locomotive frame.

Two-position e-unit:  Disconnect the e-unit wires from the field-winding terminals.  Then connect one transformer terminal to the pickup.  Connect the other transformer terminal to one of the field terminals.

[Steam Is King]

Good question, and good information. I was wondering about this myself.