03-14-2024, 12:16 PM
Hello all -
I recently picked up a 25+ year old Bowser 2-8-0 kit. It has the DC-71 open frame motor.
The kit has gone together well so far, but upon opening the motor I noticed lots of "magnetic dust" on the magnet. I cleaned as much off as I could by vacuuming and compressed air. Upon bench testing the motor detached from the chassis, it is overloading my Tech II power pack almost instantly when I get above 1/4 throttle. When it overloads, the motor is very hot (more than just warm - but not to the point of smoking). I know these motors are current hogs, but I think this pack should be able to handle it. I cleaned the commutator and brushes, and the armature spins freely. The armature does not look damaged at all from a mechanical standpoint. I tried replacing the magnet with neodymium magnets, but the result is the same. The motor otherwise starts fine and runs smoothly at low speed.
Anything else to check here before I call this motor dead? I may fiddle with the spring strength on the brushes, but the only other thing I can think of is that the armature has a short somewhere in the windings.
Thoughts? I contacted Bowser, but if I have to replace the motor I will probably upgrade to a can motor to reduce current draw.
I recently picked up a 25+ year old Bowser 2-8-0 kit. It has the DC-71 open frame motor.
The kit has gone together well so far, but upon opening the motor I noticed lots of "magnetic dust" on the magnet. I cleaned as much off as I could by vacuuming and compressed air. Upon bench testing the motor detached from the chassis, it is overloading my Tech II power pack almost instantly when I get above 1/4 throttle. When it overloads, the motor is very hot (more than just warm - but not to the point of smoking). I know these motors are current hogs, but I think this pack should be able to handle it. I cleaned the commutator and brushes, and the armature spins freely. The armature does not look damaged at all from a mechanical standpoint. I tried replacing the magnet with neodymium magnets, but the result is the same. The motor otherwise starts fine and runs smoothly at low speed.
Anything else to check here before I call this motor dead? I may fiddle with the spring strength on the brushes, but the only other thing I can think of is that the armature has a short somewhere in the windings.
Thoughts? I contacted Bowser, but if I have to replace the motor I will probably upgrade to a can motor to reduce current draw.
--
Kevin
Check out my Shapeways creations!
3-d printed items in HO/HOn3 and more!
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Kevin
Check out my Shapeways creations!
3-d printed items in HO/HOn3 and more!
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.shapeways.com/shops/kevin-s-model-train-detail-parts">https://www.shapeways.com/shops/kevin-s ... tail-parts</a><!-- m -->