Repowering AF Zephyr

[PHM]

Thanks, the project is still very much in the "thinkin'" stage............so we'll see how it goes.  I concur on the slow speed performance.  Mines seems ot be on or off.  Several years ago, I ran across an article in CTT that included a photo of an AF Zephyr that had been converted in the way I'm thinking.  The article was not focused on the conversion per se, and I elected not to purchase the issue.  Wish I had now. 

Thanks again for your reply!!

 

PHM 

[Major]

I would be very interested if you are successful in converting a Zephyr to a can motor.  I know with the original motors that they operate smoothly but you have poor slow speed performance.  They run well at speed but lack torque for good slow speed running.  Looking forward to your success!

[PHM]

Thanks for the info.  My thought was to save wear and tear on the original motor, although mine could probably erefurbishing.  Thought perhaps a Lionel can motor mechanism might be the ticket.  You are right, there is not much room in the Zephyr shell to work with.  I thought that a can motor Lionel mechanism from a 4-4 2 orf 2-4-2 might work, but am not sure it would have enough power to pull the Zephyr.  I'll let you know if I am successful.

 

PHM

[Major]

I have two zephyrs and am satisfied with their motors. I am assuming that you want to change motors because of the manual reverse.  IMHO trying to put a Lionel unit in one would cause more problems than you may have now,  since the mounting of the motor unit in the locomotive body between the companies is very different.  There is not much room in the Zephyr either.

The biggest problem with the AF motor is the manual reverse.  The switch is made from fibre board and on one of my units has warped to the point that it no longer longers makes contact.  I just wired mine to run in forward only but you could put a later style Flyer or Lionel mechanical reverse unit it in. I have a AF Wide gauge Steam locomotive where the previous owner put in a Lionel reverse unit and it works just fine.  I have found the Pre War O scale Flyer motors to run very well.

[PHM]

I have am AF 9900 small body Zephyr that I would like to repower with a Lionel drive mechanism.  Has anyone done this?  What Lionel mechanism would be appropriate?

Thanks,

PHM