Help for information converting an old Lionel O gauge AC locomotive to DC battery power

[robbennie]

Hi there, I am new to this forum and a real rookie when it comes to model railways so I hope I have put this in the right spot. I have a few old locomotives from about 1960 to 64 that are AC (three rail) O gauge Lionel locomotives from when I was a kid which I would like to be able to let my grandson use when he comes to visit. I can't have a permanent layout (space) so he needs to be able to build each setup when he visits. So the problem is continuity in the track (what else) and spending all his time trying to make the trains run instead of enjoying them. I would like to convert them to battery pack powered DC and run them with a transmitter and controller so that he can run all the trains at once. I have seen a lot of information on various forums regarding switching DC track powered to DC battery pack as well as switching AC track power to DC track power. But when it comes to making the complete switch from AC track power right through to DC battery pack with controller and transmitter, I get quite confused at the different comments and most specifically the lack of detailed schematic diagrams. I would love it if someone could explain in detail what I need to do, what I need to buy, if it is a good idea and an idea of how costly it would be to do or if it would be better just to buy a couple of DC locomotives. I am fairly good at DYI. Please excuse any terminology mistakes. As I said, I am new to this, although I have had these trains for over 60 years.

 

[Dub]

I suggest that you let it be. Track set up should be quick. If there is rust take the Scotch Brite pads out.
Before this event the engine needs to run. So set up a circle and run the train. Warm it up then try reversing.

It you want more information on battery powered trains there is a company in Pembroke NH. They sell the equipment. I would suggest using a DC motorized engine.

 

[bcp]

Played with DC long ago but forgot lots. Many unanswered questions.

The AC trains ran fine on track DC, But the steam locomotive whistles, if any will run full time. Do the diesels have DC activated horns?

DC battery power should work by connecting one terminal to the frame and the other to the center pickup wiring.

Which is + or -?

Will motors reverse when polarity is reversed?

Bruce

 

[robbennie]

They don't have any whistles or horns. One has a light but having it work isn't critical. And motors reverse when polarity is reversed. Cheers, Rob

 

[Dub]

Battery trains interest is rising. I think there are three companies that sell conversions in different scales. Mostly it is for outside use in adverse weather conditions where powered rails is not advised. Lionel horns and whistles do depend on DC current. You would have to check with the company if they are upgradable. Now we have been 10 years into LionChief and now sets are Bluetooth compatible.
The upgrade is worth more than the set.
For 400 now you can get a bluetooth Polar Express. Operate it from your phone. Fastrack only needs a wall adapter for power. How simple is that!.