The problem was that my rehashed Lionel 282 Magnetic Crane behaved such that if I set the voltage sufficiently high to energize the magnet usefully, the boom rotated too fast. If I set the rotational speed to a sensible level, the magnet didn’t have sufficient pick-up force for a fun “play experience.”
Your posts about using a chain of paired rectifier diodes enabled me to reduce the voltage to the motor, while retaining the “oomph” of the magnet – an elegant and inexpensive solution. “Works good,” as we say in America.
Smoke units in Dummies ??? Now I know this is providing a lot of opportunity for some, but that sounds real interesting. I have a couple of dummies (engines) I would like to do that with. How can I get more information???
I went one step further about 30 years ago & wired the electromagnet to it’s own separate 35 watt starter set transformer(mounted right next to the controller) for better fine control of both the crane movement and magnet strength. I wanted to be sure I ran the magnet at the lowest voltage need for the task so it didn’t overheat.
Isn’t he great? He took the time to explain what to him must’ve been extremely elementary principles of electricity a while ago that I have saved and refer to whenever I rewire things on my layout.
Don, the bride reported her visit to the south of Rockford found it still cold, snowy and tree-filled.
I had considered your solution very carefully prior to rejecting it. No doubt it is a very good way to go – perhaps the best. I went with the diodes for several reasons, chief of which was, without a permanent layout, I wanted to keep things as simple as possible and avoid a mare’s nest of wires. I had to do some experimentation to get the best combination of voltages that I could. As you know, with the 282, if you drop the voltage to the motor too far, the solenoid/clutch system gets erratic.
Your points about precise control of voltage in real-time, and the desire not to burn out the magnet are well taken. Were I ever to build another “real” layout, I’d probably do it your way. But for my present needs Bob’s solution got me off the dime where I had been stuck literally for several years.
I certainly hope that the “Grand Poobah” will extend his imprimatur to you too. It makes all the difference, you know…
Well Dummy, if you had paid attention around two years ago, I did a post with photos on the whole thing [including Bob’s suggestion of bridge rectifiers]. Also did a repeat not long ago for a guy asking the same question.
About three bridge rectifiers is about the right voltage for command 18V.
My expressions of appreciation for the contributions of Bob and Rob were genuine, but the term “Grand Poobah” had a different referent. Too subtle, I guess. Perhaps just as well.
