Critter running in the wrong direction...

trammayo

trammayo

Interested in vintage commercial vehicle, trams, t
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I haven't had time to sort it but, yesterday, I tried to run the Critter in conjunction with other trains. I had operated it in the garden but thought I had set the controller wrong so just reversed the direction setting.

What would I have to do to permanently alter the direction of travel?
 
Otherwise you could install a DPDT toggle switch between the power source and the motor.
 
I thought that might be the answer...

Zerogee said:
Simplest way, if the wiring allows, is to swap the motor terminal wires over!
Jon.
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As we are talking a polarity change, why cannot that be effected by just turning the loco the opposite way round? I did try turning it so it would run cab first but, without altering the direction on the controller, it still runs the same way - as in the opposite to the other locos.
 
The trouble with that one is, you turn the loco and change polarity so it does the same thing the other way round!
 
Hm, you've got a contrary loco.....LOL
 
stockers said:
The trouble with that one is, you turn the loco and change polarity so it does the same thing the other way round!
Click to expand...

I just thought that if all my locos were going clockwise (with positive on the inner rails, then turning the loco - still keeping the same direction setting - then the critter would have it's polarity reversed.

Must be some electronical thing gummy inside the truck?
 
trammayo said:
As we are talking a polarity change, why cannot that be effected by just turning the loco the opposite way round? I did try turning it so it would run cab first but, without altering the direction on the controller, it still runs the same way - as in the opposite to the other locos.
Click to expand...

Ah, that fools a lot of people.
Think of it this way.
Take a loco with a distinct front and back. Run it "forwards" then remove it from the track and turn it round and re-rail it. This swaps the polarity to the motor so it'll run "backwards" for the same controller setting. However as you've turned the loco round "backwards" is geographically the same as direction as "forwards" before you turned it! Can be useful if you wish to double head with locos facing opposite ways.
 
Neil Robinson said:
Ah, that fools a lot of people.
Think of it this way.
Take a loco with a distinct front and back. Run it "forwards" then remove it from the track and turn it round and re-rail it. This swaps the polarity to the motor so it'll run "backwards" for the same controller setting. However as you've turned the loco round "backwards" is geographically the same as direction as "forwards" before you turned it! Can be useful if you wish to double head with locos facing opposite ways.
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All 'tricery to me!
 
I take it most of the other locos are LGB? American made models tend to follow NMRA polarity convention which is opposite to LGB. Bachmann tend to fit a polarity changeover switch between NMRA and Large Scale (LGB) standards but I don't think Aristo and USAT do this.

If you were running DCC instead of DC, then turning the loco round would make it run in the opposite track direction, as it would still be running "forward" as far as the decoder is concerned.
 
As has been said..
On Annie-log DC, you need to swap EITHER the pickups or the motor..
The pickups and motor are hard-wired to each other, so if you turn the loco around BOTH pickups, and motor, change polarity so cancel out. - The loco is now 'backwards' on the track physically, AND backwards picking up power (you turned it round).. The two cancel out, so it does the same thing! :rolleyes:o_O
 
ntpntpntp said:
I take it most of the other locos are LGB? American made models tend to follow NMRA polarity convention which is opposite to LGB. Bachmann tend to fit a polarity changeover switch between NMRA and Large Scale (LGB) standards but I don't think Aristo and USAT do this.

If you were running DCC instead of DC, then turning the loco round would make it run in the opposite track direction, as it would still be running "forward" as far as the decoder is concerned.
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Mainly Bachmann - although they don't all have the changeover switch - plus some Aristo (the Critter's the only problem one but, as I buy S/H, maybe they have been converted?).

I'll get the soldering iron out tomorrow!

Thanks for the help and explanations everybody. I will post when I get it tamed!
 
Mr. Aristocraft has got a few wires tucked away in your Critter. The pick up wires are plug joined to the wires feeding the motor.
Can't remember if the plug is 'reversible' (doesn't only fit one way). If it is, just put the plug back in t'other way round. If not, swap the wire over in one of the plugs.

Idiots Guide to Alec Trickery..... available FREE on G Scale Central. Smart fellow, that Alec.
 
trammayo said:
H'mmm - I have a 4LB, a 10LB, and a 14LB - choices, choices! The Luddite's choice would be the 14;)
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Blimey, what a fine selection sir. I salute you!!! (14lb for me BTW) Broughs brewery in Wolverhampton make Lumphammer (pronounced locally as Lum pommer) and Sledgehammer beers. I can recommend both of these, if youre passing.
 
Hal Farsed said:
Blimey, what a fine selection sir. I salute you!!! (14lb for me BTW) Broughs brewery in Wolverhampton make Lumphammer (pronounced locally as Lum pommer) and Sledgehammer beers. I can recommend both of these, if youre passing.
Click to expand...

Wish I could imbibe again. Last drink was festive season time 2008:banghead:
One day I'll get the all clear - then there will be some Irish to empty first:)
 
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