Garden Railway Forum

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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... My solution was to build this... 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)

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.