671 here,

Yes it can be wired to go only forward.

See the June 11 2026 posting "Can a dual motor .... be wired to only go forward"
I wired a disabled older SD 45 with a faulty motor control circuit board many years ago. It is still working well.

                        Good luck ... 671

Hi PrvtDoughnut

          671 here ... I have a couple of thoughts:

The universal parts section ( page three) for Williams O scale has traction tires for diesels. These may fit. Approx $1.35 each. Buy them and give them a try.

You could try electrical shrink tubing cut into ringlets a placed into the wheel's groove. Shrink into place. I do not know if this will work. You may need several layers.

Sometimes Williams' locos use the rubber tire inside of the loco's shell to bundle the wires. You may be able to harvest those bands/tires.

One other thought ... some electrical wires (Sold at Home depot) and Ace hardware in the electrical aisle bulk wire sales area, sell an extension cord type wire, clad in a circular black rubber. You may find a diameter of that rubber type cladding that could be removed and cut to size. Buy one foot of the wire, remove the rubber outer cover, then cut into ringlets that will fit into the tire groove. Use rubber cement to secure tire within the groove.

             Just a couple ideas ... This may help ... 671

Hi Hannahas Dad,

    671 here. Len's use of a bridge rectifier is a cheap and good solution. I used a similar fix for an old Williams SD-45 dual motor unit with a non-functioning motor control board.

Material,Tools and parts needed:

one 6-8 amp 50 volt bridge rectifier ( purchase on line from Jameco Electronics). This will take the place of the motor control board, (only one direction of engine travel, no neutral, always moving when power is applied to the track).

The bridge rectifier ( size of a small sugar cube ) has (4) terminals. Two input and two output. The input terminals can be wired to the engine's center roller pick-up and the other input can be wired to the chassis frame of the loco. When track power is applied to the loco, the bridge rectifier will take alternating track power at the input terminals and (Rectify it) and project a synthetic dc current at the output terminals. This current can be used by the two electric motors within the loco. The motors operate on dc power.

Now: the wiring of the motors:
The two motors run in opposite rotation of each other, clock-wise counter clock-wise. You need to take/cut the wires from the motors at the plugs to the control board. Using the powered up bridge rectifier, determine the correct wiring to allow the motors to power the loco in the correct direction. Use test wires with alligator clips for a temporary hook-up to the rectifier's out-put terminals.

I wired my two motors in "series" ( power from the bridge rectifier dc output into one motor's lead and then the second lead from that same motor to the input lead of the second motor, then the second motor's remaining lead back to the other dc terminal on the rectifier.

Wiring the motors in series reduces the loco's sensitivity to input power fluctuations. It allows you to increase the running voltage to the track without pushing the loco to crazy speeds. The higher track voltage along with the series wired motors allow the loco to "creep" along at a nice constant speed.

This setup will only allow one direction of travel along with no neutral. The loco will always move when the track is powered.

Note: All electrical connections should be shrink wrap or electrical tape. The rectifier can be glued or double sided tape for secure installation.

This fix is quite inexpensive also very satisfying due to the closer to scale type speed of the loco.
Take your time, wire the motors for correct rotation (use test lead wires to determine correct wiring.)

                             Hope this helps ... take your time ... Keep'em Smokin' ... 671

671 here,

      Try the web site ... The Motor Doctor ...He repairs/ rebuilds/re-wires toy train motors. If you motor is complete, He should be able to help you.

                            Keep'em Smokin ... 671

671 here,

           Home Depot has a plastic device that has Metric and SAE sized gauge. It costs $1.97. It is called .... GAGE-IT  Hardware gauge.

          This should solve your challenge. Screw size, hole size,depth size, wire size,pipe size,pipe tube size, and many more.

                               Hope this helps ... 671 Keep'em smokin!

Hello Clifford,

What I have done to de-energize the smoke unit is a simple wiring to the loco. The two wires going to the smoke unit will need to have an electrical switch within that electrical circuit. Disrupt this this circuit, and control of that smoke unit will be 100% within your control.

                  I have some additional comments about smoke units with very simple deactivation circuits.                  5

Hello Keith ... 671 here.

Two things come to my mind which should help you with the challenge you are facing.

1.    Replace the electronic board that controls the engine's drive motor direction. Trainland has an upgraded Williams control board in stock for $69.99. You will find it listed under the Williams heading in the parts section. Replace the board and your challenge should be repaired.

2.    If I were facing this challenge, I would wire the motor control board to use it's second unused control circuit, to run the motor.
      Let me explain: The control board should have two motor circuits, complete with two relays. Your steamer has ONE electric motor. The control board can run a single motored loco ie. streamer or a dual motored loco ie. diesel loco with two motors in it.
      You may be able to remove the plug wires going to one side of the board over to the adjacent side. This may cause the loco to start in reverse ... No worry ...cut the two wires going to the electric motor and reverse their connection. This will allow the first starting stage of the motor control board to start the loco in forward.

                     I hope this is clear. []===(0000)  []=x==(0000)   Plug[],  wires===,   Motor(0000)

                          Hope this helps ... 671  Let us know how you repaired your loco

Good morning,

          You need to define what you mean by "Can't run two together."
Are you trying to run the two locos on one track? Are you pointing the locos in opposite directions on the same train?

1.   If you have a low output transformer i.e. 50-80 watt output, This may be your challenge. Each loco will need 3-4 amperes of power to run properly. This would equal about 60-80 watts of power required. A higher output transformer is then needed.

2.   If your are running two locos together on the same consist (train) then they need to be pointed in the same direction. Williams locos start in the forward direction. Locos in a pair need to be nose to tail.

Add any information that will help to define your challenge.

                     Merry Christmas ... 671

To All,

     I have just located the 5-6 volt smoke unit on the Website "Holyart"  It is priced at $22.87. Great price...Trainland is out of stock currently and priced at > $34.99.
This Website also has a smoking cauldron (Pot). It would look great for a hobo camp type scene.

                         Merry Christmas to all...671

jga1959,

671 here. The description of my repair/replacement was posted Jan 28 2018. This will help you with the replacement of your smoke unit. You will be very happy with the results....HEAVY HEAVY Smoke!

                              Smokem' if you gotem'....Hope this helps...671

Hi jga1959,

          671 here. I have posted several articles about aftermarket smoker repair. Use the"SEARCH" from this site to find them. They should still be available. Years 2011-2013,14 ?
          I have detailed exactly what to buy and how to make smoke with the new unit.
Basically I purchase a LGB 5-6 volt (SEUTH) smoker unit from Trainland. Install this in place of the Williams unit.
The new smoker is a little larger in diameter and slightly lower in voltage need. Two diodes are needed inline with the supply board (7volts output) to smoker reduces the voltage. ( approx minus 0.7 volts per installed diode to reduce to 5.6 volts supplying the smoker unit.
Find one of my complete articles on this subject...The new unit smokes like the loco is on fire...approx 15-20 minutes smoke output per session. My smoker is still going strong after 10 plus years.

                               Hope this helps...671

Hi Lyle,

       671 here. Use this Bachmann website for "Parts". Under the heading of O scale Williams. On the second page of universal O scale parts is a True Blast II horn/bell sound system @ $ $61.38. This should be just what you need for the GG-1 unit.

             Hope this helps,

                  671

Hi Marcliff71,

          671 here....Try the website Trainz.  They have an extensive used equipment and parts inventory (all scales). Maybe you will find something that will aid you with your challenge.

                                  Keep'em smokin!
                                      671

Hi Cameraboy75,

                671 here.

Before you try a more powerful transformer ...

1.   Only run your locomotive by itself ... i.e. no other loads on that low powered transformer. (Lighted cars, accessories etc.)
2.   Clean center roller pick-ups and wheels with plastic friendly contact cleaner. Remove any and all built-up gunk. Scrape off wheel debris as needed.
3.   Lubricate center roller and wheel bushings with electrically conductive lubricant ( non-carbonizing oil/lube )
4.   Clean your track. Use a mild Scotch pad with a de-greaser like Windex to gently clean all rails of your track.

                                             Merry Christmas ... Hope this helps

                                                                671

Hi otww,

           671 here. Try  Dallee electronics on line. It sounds like you need a new voltage regulating board. Dallee should be able to help you with this, they supply many electronics to the hobby.

                               Happy Turkey Day,
                 
                               Keep'em Smokin...671