Can someone in the forum explain to me what a can motor is and why it's so much better than a stock motor?
I'm a fan of various model railroading TV shows like Tracks Ahead, I Love Toy Trains, etc. I've heard them mentioned for heavy duty, continuous running applications such as museum, store, and some private hobby layouts.
Just trying to further educate myself on the current model railroading trends. I haven't been involved in the hobby since the late 1960's. I bought a G scale REA (Aristocraft) Alco FA-1A & 1B B&O units for a layout that has never been realized since my 2 boys were born 11 years and 6 years ago.
I would appreciate the info.
Gee2u,
There are many qualified electronics experts in the forum that can give you the technical reasons on the advantages of can type motors. I have a video where the guy that maintains the O-gauge display at Mall of America shows worn armatures from Lionel's pullmore motors, verses no damage with can motor units running 12 hours a day for months. I think the weakness of older style motors are the bushings or bearings seizing and gouging the armature shaft. I also think most modern era engines utilize can motors and flywheels (at least in O-gauge) which are probably much cheaper to produce. I'm pretty sure most can motors are wired for DC ( circuit board) and run cooler, quieter, and are maintenance free. But also remember the comparison applies to extended periods of operation, as some of my O-gauge pullmores are 55 years young, and those trains will be passed on to my grand children, and with a little TLC and oil, on to theirs etc, etc. I personally like the sound, smell, and sparks of the old, but also the smoothness of the new. What a conundrum!
Put those engines to work!
Rich F.
I had to find the video to make sure I had my facts straight. The display is called "EnterTrainment" and it opened in 92' at the Mall of America. The video, "Great Toy Train Layouts in America" was produced in 2004. Hopefully it is still there, it was mentioned they've got over $250,000 in it, so that would be such a waste! Then again, that mall looks pretty incredible, way over the top from the malls in the Pittsburgh area. That sum of money is probably chump change, and I'm sure they've made it back in admission tickets. Maybe do a search for enterTrainment, or Mall of America. Looks like it is well worth the price of admission, especially if you like 3 rail, or trains in general.
Good Luck,
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