Atlas Plymouth Chassis

A place for discussing battery-electric locomotives, whether they're diesel, steam or even electric outline
Post Reply
Big Jim
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2694
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 5:28 pm
Location: Near Llanelli

Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by Big Jim » Wed Feb 04, 2015 1:28 pm

Having just uncovered a pair of the above in the "might come in handy" box. I was wondering if anyone has successfully used one with battery control. I don't know how well they ran originally, so before I start building a body to fit I would appreciate other options. Basically if they are a load of crap then I won't waste any time on them.

Benjamin Shaw
New User
New User
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:27 pm

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by Benjamin Shaw » Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:08 pm

I have an Atlas Plymouth that is converted to battery power, and to 0-4-0 16mm/foot. It works on 10AA NiMH batteries and RC, but is very under powered, and is basically useless. The motor looks quite large for something so feeble. Does anyone know a way of increasing the power ?

I have an alternative motor that I might try, that could be made to fit.

I want to be able to pull a house brick or two in weight, which might be unrealistic.

Any ideas anyone ?

Ben

User avatar
LNR
Driver
Driver
Posts: 1533
Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2016 5:26 am
Location: Australia

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by LNR » Mon Jul 10, 2017 2:51 am

Hi Ben,
First a couple of basics, have you checked what voltage is actually getting to the motor, and are your batteries charged and HOLDING charge. I don't know what transmission setup your engine has, but before major surgery you need to establish where the problem lies.
Grant.

Benjamin Shaw
New User
New User
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:27 pm

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by Benjamin Shaw » Mon Jul 10, 2017 8:51 pm

Grant, thanks for the reply.

The batteries produce 14V, and hold charge OK. When connected direct to the motor with no speed controller in between it is pretty feeble with about a small half brick of weight behind it. It comes to a stop with no wheel spinning on curve and gradient together.

I have found a loose wheel which should improve things when fixed.

The transmission is a series of gear wheels and a worm directly attached to the motor rotor, it does not feel like there is a lot of friction there.

User avatar
tom_tom_go
Driver
Driver
Posts: 4824
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:08 am
Location: Kent, UK
Contact:

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 10, 2017 8:59 pm

Are these brushed motors? Can you get inside the motor block to see if any of it is worn?

Big Jim
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2694
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 5:28 pm
Location: Near Llanelli

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by Big Jim » Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:56 pm

Don't know how I missed these replies....

They are brushed motors and I can't see them being that powerful.

Peter Butler is the man to ask as he has used one of the chassis under one of his creations.
If at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer!

User avatar
Peter Butler
Driver
Driver
Posts: 5219
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:33 pm
Location: West Wales

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by Peter Butler » Tue Jul 11, 2017 12:17 pm

Big Jim wrote: Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:56 pm

Peter Butler is the man to ask as he has used one of the chassis under one of his creations.
Only too pleased to help Jim...

This chassis was a gift from Big Jim for me to modify...
IMG_4598.JPG
IMG_4598.JPG (130.12 KiB) Viewed 4473 times
My solution was to build this...
IMG_4648.JPG
IMG_4648.JPG (120.68 KiB) Viewed 4473 times
The loco itself weighs 1.496 Kg.
To test its pulling power I have attached a train of assorted stock comprising 3 bogie coaches (12 axles), 1 bogie wagon (4 axles) and a loaded wagon (2 axles) with a total weight of 5.238 Kg (excluding loco)..... Grand total... 6.734 Kg. It handled this load with no problem, even on curved track, although it is level!
I must say I was quite impressed as I have never tried this before.
I hope this helps.

Edit.... forgot to add... powered by 10 rechargeable AA batteries (12v)
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?

Benjamin Shaw
New User
New User
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:27 pm

Re: Atlas Plymouth Chassis

Post by Benjamin Shaw » Tue Jul 11, 2017 9:12 pm

So it sounds like it should work better than it does.

Are there different standards of the model around ? this one was bought (apparently very cheaply) in the 1980s

Thanks for the help everyone.

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests