Flyer in a Minute: AC Locomotive Running on HO DC Power Transformer

A common question is “can I run an AC American Flyer locomotive on DC power using an HO transformer?” Well, yes you can. The universal motor in American Flyer AC locomotives will run on both AC and DC. This is accomplished by using the wire wound electro-magnet instead of regular solid state magnets in standard DC motors. It can flow either direction through the motor as the reverse unit will allow the engine to change polarity to reverse direction. Caution though, while AC universal motors will work on DC, DC motors with solid state magnets will not run on AC and damage will happen to the motor. Stay tuned for more interesting AC/DC demonstrations in the future from Hall of Science West. Thanks for watching.