I've read on this Forum that R4LC boards are used with Legacy engines.

Can anyone help explain what is the difference between the R4LC and the R2LC boards?

Thanks,
Tom

The R4LC has a different processor, clock speed, different power supply, and different firmware (software). The firmware supports the new Legacy track commands, and the serial data is not the same on the internal engine link control bus.

The R2LC and R4LC are not interchangeable, however in some cases an R4LC will work in place of an R2LC. Depends on the internal construction of the particular loco.

Fairly general reply - sorry - the details would fill many pages in a reply and the proprietary nature of the details limit what I can post. If you have a specific question maybe I can answer that for you.

Jon,

Many thanks and I understand the details are proprietary.

Since my engine is not Legacy and did come with an R4LC I am curious if this engine would work if I substituted the R4LC with an R2LC?

Tom

Tom,
If your engine came with an R4LC, it will operate under the Legacy control selection on the cab-2. You will get 200 speed steps. Unfortunately, you won't have a quilling whistle.

You can change the R4LC out with an R2LC, however the smoke may not work as well (why the R4LC was put into this loco).

Jon,

Thanks for the info on substituting the R4LC with an R2LC and the reason for using an R4LC for better smoke operation.

Tom

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TomK,