Large Scale Central

Aristo 2-8-0 Project

Problem Solving
#1

Well, as I keep telling my wife, I WON an auction. She believes I just went and bought another train!

I run track power. So it makes sound, but does not move. I have little knowledge of battery operation or RC, but I can see there are 2 connectors. I didn’t get a picture of the firebox which has a 3 position toggle switch on it.

I can also figure out this looks like an alien antenna, so I guess this was set up for RC, or they’re listening to everything I say!

At this point, I’m lost, so here are a few pictures of the boards.

Maybe one of you experts can identify this from its markings.

Here’s the last one.

Is this assumption correct? I believe I need the correct transmitter to make this work.

I have ordered some sound cards from that great offer from Peter Lucas, so my plan at this point is to remove all but the speaker and install one of those.

Is this the easiest solution?

Thanks for your help guys.

#2

The board with MOG0 on it appears to be a sound card.

The 2 smaller boards appear to be an antique r/c system.

I’m not sure of the sound card, it does not appear to a a Sierra, or a Phoenix I recognize, nor a PH hobbies, but there were variations I might not recognize.

I’d try to identify the sound card and throw out the r/c system and replace it.

Greg

#3

Thanks, Greg. I think I will go with that plan when the sound cards arrive from Australia.

Lou

#4

The rc system is early locoLinc possibly?

#5

This will be an interesting project. Keep us informed, Lou! I have one of these locos, too, It’s a great little performer, not yet equipped with R.C., though.

#6

Al, I think you are right!

Found a couple of pictures of a locolinc receiver, 2 boards and very distinctive “transformer” cans (yes I know they are tunable inductors).

The receiver looks unchanged over the years, the logic board has changed somewhat.

If the receiver works, you CAN still find the locolinc transmitters, but range was not great, I think it would be too much of a gamble unless you got a transmitter for like $25.

Regards, Greg

#7

Well, I did get the sound cards from Australia, and it was easy to install. Got the new decals from Stan Cedarleaf, and I have the loco repainted (the small area where the number will go). Next step is to take the tender out and baking soda blast it!

Yes, pictures are being taken. Posted when I get time.

#8

Locolinc and Keithco are still advertisers in GR mag…

John

#9

Lou, did you already bypass the Locolinc decoder/receiver?

(wondering how you installed the sound card, i.e. wiring)

Greg

#10

Ripped out all of the old cards and installed one of Peter’s My Loco Sound cards. Still have to finish lettering one side of the tender, then post pictures.

#11

Thanks Lou, do you use any remote control system yourself, or are you all “analog” DC?

(I think that removing that system was the best idea)

Regards, Greg

#12

That is an old locolinc card. I’ve installed a few of them for people. the system isn’t bad, range is ok at best. The controller is the worst part. It’s huge. Take it out and put it on ebay, people still buy them. The sound card resembles a phoenix.

Depending how the locolinc was wired it may be possible to just unwire it and put the wires back together. The one nice thing about Locolinc is it’s ability to run on track and battery power at the same time. If it is wired like that it’s just a matter of unwiring the track pickups and motor leads from the Locolinc and putting them together.

Good luck

Terry

#13

Greg: I R Analog track power. Actually Ric Golding turned me on to TE.

Terry: Thanks for the idea. I may try to sell AS-IS.