? 8902 DC only goes foreward

[Boyd]

I have a 2-4-0 Lionel steam engine that was custom painted so I don't know it's original factory number. Other than the paint job it looks identical to a 8902 ACL engine I have that goes foreward & reverse on DC power. The custom painted engine only goes foreward no matter which direction I have the power set. I don't see a circuit board anywhere. By chance is the custom engine made to run on AC power?

[cheapclassics]

Some of the less expensive MPC  and LLC engines had only forward.  I have a N&W set from the late 90s that a one way rectifier that allowed you to use AC power with a DC can motor.  If that is the setup on yours, just cut out the rectifier and run it on a DC power pack.  If it is an AC motor, you used to be able to get parts from Lionel to install an electronic E-unit.  I do not know if they are still available.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[TrainLarry]

A clear picture of the inside of the locomotive including the wiring at the motor would be helpful.

A basic DC motored chassis would need 107-100 electronic reverse unit, 8616-55 E-unit bracket,101-48 screw (for ground wire), 3664-303 lockout switch, and (2) 8400-5 screws (for switch mounting) available from Brasseur.

Larry

[sir james I]

Yes some sets were made with forward only engines. They boldly told you on the box diecast engine but left out all the things it Didn't have.

[lionelsoni]

If it has a universal motor but no e-unit, there is a simple way to rewire it to make it respond to the voltage polarity when run on DC.  However, it will no longer be able to run on AC.

[Boyd]

I've opened both of them up and the wiring on the painted engine is different with black tape over it. I'm not sure if I'll keep it or put it on EBay. If I kept it, wiring it direct for DC only power would be easy to do. The down side is that these plastic shelled engines are very light and don't pull well.

[Boyd]

O.K. its going on Ebay. I want to buy some more 0-4-0 switchers.