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American Flyer motor variations

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  • Member since
    November 2006
  • 81 posts
American Flyer motor variations
Posted by Mr. S. on Sunday, April 4, 2010 10:31 PM

I've read that motor size makes a difference in pulling power for Flyer's S gauge steamers.  There's 1/2" and 3/4" and 1"...I know the two smaller motors are A.C. Gilbert original, but what is the origin of the 1" motor?  Aftermarket upgrade?

I happened to find a 1" motor on a 332 auction I won and was surprised as it wasn't mentioned.  Is there much difference between the 3/4" and 1" motor in pulling power?  I still consider myself a Flyer newbie.

Any specific maintenance issues with a 1" motor?

Thanks!

"One night I was dreaming as I lay on my pillow The train I was riding was ten coaches long" --The Senstaional Alex Harvey Band
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Highland, Mi
  • 582 posts
Posted by J. Daddy on Monday, April 5, 2010 9:17 AM

You know I have never heard of a 1 inch motor, Does it look like a non Gilbert motor?

In all my years, the motor wether small or large really made no difference. The wheel sets are the limiting factor in the Post-War trains. You would be lucky if you could pull 11 cars even if you had the larger motor. I purchased some newer rolling stock  made by lionel LLC (AF). They have needle axles and reduced friction bearings in the trucks, now I can pull 25 cars plus with allot of my small and large motor steam engines.

But as far as this 332, do you have a picture?

When the men get together its always done right! J. Daddy
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • 81 posts
Posted by Mr. S. on Monday, April 5, 2010 3:49 PM

 I'll post a pic of the motor and armature against a rule so you can see for yourself...in the next couple days.

 

Thanks!

"One night I was dreaming as I lay on my pillow The train I was riding was ten coaches long" --The Senstaional Alex Harvey Band
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 5, 2010 4:59 PM

Mr. S.,

             According to Doug at Portlines, the 1" motors are repros, but that was all he told me.  The performance of the 3/4" motor that I swapped into my 332AC was a night and day difference compared to the 1/2" motor that I removed.  I'd love to see what the 1" could do.  Just maintain it as you would any Gilbert motor. 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Highland, Mi
  • 582 posts
Posted by J. Daddy on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 9:28 AM

When I cleaned all my AF engines I took the ones with 3/4 inch motors and pollished the commutator shaft with a wire wheel. Than changed the brushes... I tell ya they are the smoothest runners now.

When the men get together its always done right! J. Daddy

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