is it possible to run Lionel Post war steam without the e-unit?

[ryeguyisme]

like as if you'd direct the electric flow directly to the motor? And doing so, its possible you can't run AC so maybe use DC?

[Joe Satnik]

Dear RGIM,

Yes, it can be hard-wired to run in forward only, no reverse, no neutral. 

Getting the loco into "forward" and turning off the E-unit would have the same effect, if the rotating drum contacts still worked.   

Why not just clean, lube and adjust your E-unit? 

That's normal maintenance for post-war locos.  http://www.spikesys.com/Modelrr/faq3.html#motor     

The E-unit is just a fancy DPDT switch that is wired to change the direction of the current through the field coil, which allows the motor to reverse direction. 

A center-off DPDT switch could take its place.  (Center-off is for neutral.)  Mount it so it can be switched without taking the loco off the track, yet be "hidden" or "discreet".   

The post-war motors with E-units are "universal", meaning they could run either AC or DC, however, since the whistle is activated by DC, it would run all the time....you'd probably end up disconnecting it..

HO power packs (DC) wouldn't have enough power to run postwar Lionel motors, and reversing DC polarity would not reverse the direction of a universal motor....

My suggestion:  Fix your E-unit. 

There should be a 3-Rail-O club near by with a kind member that would teach you how and help you.       

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik       

[ryeguyisme]

thank you for the insight, its really appreciated