I've read here that the Accucraft Lilly Belle electric is slow mover and I've now seen this for myself.

Would a higher amperage power supply/controller move it along a bit quicker? Does Accucraft LB need more amps/VA or is this just the way it was built?

Thanks,

Tom C

Did you lubricate the model, Tom? That's critical for good performance.

Even with proper lubrication, the Accucraft 4-4-0's don't scream down the track like some other manufacturer's models. That's because they're meant to operate prototypically, which is a slow build-up and relatively slow top speed.

Most model trains you see running around Christmas trees are going way faster than a real engine would, especially on tight curves.

How else am I gonna get Marty back to 1985?

I can run my Hartland Lilly on a large HO power pack. 12 VDC @ 2 amps. The LGB Chloe as works on that pack but the Fort wilderness Number 3 needs more voltage. I have not bench tested #3 but the specs say you need a power supply of 24 volts and when I use a test bench supply, 15 volts makes the FW#3 run just about right. I haven't checked the current but I would bet it is still less than one amp, I'll check tonight.

Thanks Guys,

Yes Michael, I do need to lube it. I do not think it was ever done. Probably true of many of the 173 LB's out there. They just were not bought to run but to display.

I suspect that all of my locomotives especially the Accucrafts would benefit from an upgrade from my MRC 6200 to a MRC Power G or a Bridgewerks 5 SR, 5-amp, two controllers that I am assessing.

I just hate to make the move if it isn't neccessary. The FWRR engine is a mover and whips around my track with no problem.

Tom

Higher amperage generally will have little effect (assuming the supply is properly sized to start with). A higher voltage might help depending on the ratings of the motor in the engine. Some LGB supplies put out up to 24 volts DC, MRC packs 22 volts, etc, you might check and see what the pack you are using is rated at and what Accurcraft recommends.

I spoke with Cliff at Accucraft about powering the electric Lilly Belle. He said that it really needs 24 volts to get it to respond properly. He said that my MRC 6200 won't do it. He suggested a Bridgewerks or 24 volt rated power supply to get it going.

Tom C

Your MRC 6200 has two modes, 0-18.5 Volts DC and 0-14 volts DC. I think I have the same unit (in a box somewhere). Have you tried both modes? I would think that the LB should move along at 18.5 volts. A lot of folks try to run their trains way too fast...

Hi Bystander,

Yes I'm familiar with the 18 volt G option, which I use but Cliff suggested that the LB was designed for 24volts, which is why it appears slow. Frankly the speed at 18 volts is fine but I'm curious what it could do at 24 volts.

Tom