Bowser Conversions to DCC

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have three Bowser locomotives (actually 1 old Pennline Mikado and 2 Bowsers). I am considering coverting to DCC, but am unsure about whether the high-amp, open frame, non-electically isolated motors can be converted to DCC. Even if they can, the amperage would be quite high. The Mikado is about 50 years old and I recently reconditioned it, but would love to run it using DCC.

Has anyone installed low-amp can motor in a Bowser to replace the original motor so that a DCC conversion is more practical?

I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on this subject.

2

You could always use high-amp 2-rail O/G Scale Receivers, they should still fit in a tender… You’d still have to electrically isolate the motors though.

3

Alliance Locomotive Products at http://www.alliancelink.com/alp/ has re-motoring kits for Bowser steam. I haven’t done one, but people have reported successful conversions.

4

Paul,

Thanks for the tip - I will give them a try!

5

I have three Bowser locomotives (actually 1 old Pennline Mikado and 2 Bowsers). I am considering coverting to DCC, but am unsure about whether the high-amp, open frame, non-electically isolated motors can be converted to DCC. Even if they can, the amperage would be quite high. The Mikado is about 50 years old and I recently reconditioned it, but would love to run it using DCC.

Has anyone installed low-amp can motor in a Bowser to replace the original motor so that a DCC conversion is more practical?

I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on this subject.

6

You could always use high-amp 2-rail O/G Scale Receivers, they should still fit in a tender… You’d still have to electrically isolate the motors though.

7

Alliance Locomotive Products at http://www.alliancelink.com/alp/ has re-motoring kits for Bowser steam. I haven’t done one, but people have reported successful conversions.

8

Paul,

Thanks for the tip - I will give them a try!