I purchased a Bachmann handcar through ebay. The first few days it ran great, and then it started stuttering and quit. I took it apart and noticed the brushes were worn to almost nothing. Bachmann seems to be sold out of the replacement motor. I noticed that a flint from a disposable lighter look almost the same. I was wondering, would it be possible to use these until a new motor can be purchased? I thought it was worth a try.
speederman307 - Welcome to Trains.com!
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
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Thanks. I hope I can get the answer I need so I can get the handcar running again.
I dont think they would work since the brush's are carbon based and the flints spark.
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
Just an idea. Pencil leads are of graphite and they come in many different sizes and hardness. Perhaps new brushes can be improvised from this material.
Wayne
No that will not work, the carbon will build up in the groves and short out the motor. your best bet is new brush's or motor repleacement.
This handcar has been annoyance to almost everyone. I have burned thru two of them and one was brand new. It amazes me that Bachmann keeps putting out inferior products.
the flint will very quickly wear down the comutator segments.
go on the internet and search for motor components.
What Amazes me is people keep on buying it .
I guess I must have the odd one that works. With routine maintenance it has been running for 9 years. Still does fine running up the bridge to the chateau (18% grade)
Tom Trigg
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