I've been out of the hobby for a number of years. I want to upgrade the open frame motors on several 1970-1980s era Bowser steam engines. I purchased several flat can motors which have markings as 9.55 volts. Could I safely operate these on conventional 12 volts dc?
I don't know. Motors marked for 9.55 volts, and you want them to run at 12 volts, it doesn't sound right but I'm not the expert.
This will give your thread a "bump" so maybe the right people will see it.
Mike.
My You Tube
Hi littlebear,
you can try, but it is possible that this motor will burn out after a while. If that happens, you can install 12 V motor which should last much longer. You can find such motors at NWSL, or buy 12 V motor that can be found on ebay (China), for example like this one: https://www.ebay.de/itm/DC-6V-12V-15000RPM-5-Pole-Rotor-Mini-17-24-5mm-Coreless-Motor-DIY-Robot-Toy-Car/113401021343?hash=item1a673a439f:g:MWIAAOSwuUlb5CVM:rk:87:pf:0
This is a coreless motor, but a standard iron core motor (like those offered by NWSL) are also a good option. I prefer coreless, but with good iron core motor, you will be very satisfied. If you want to experiment, you can buy both types, and compare.
I wrote more on coreless motor alternatives here:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/273297/3111990.aspx#3111990
Regards,
Hrvoje
This is where I have purchased many of my locomotive repower motors:
https://www.ebay.com/str/Sweetwater-Locomotive-Repair?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
Using Your 9.5 volt motor you are already giving up +- 25% of your speed range. You have to try to match your original motor RPM, too. Some small motors are way too fast for model locomotive use.
Good Luck, Ed
RR_MelNO, if the lower voltage motor has enough power to operate your locomotive it will draw more current
.
I will just say "I agree" to everything Ed and Mel stated.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Well,
the OP mentioned "conventional 12 volts dc", so why a current drawn by motor is an issue here for a decoder - when there is no decoder here?
Despite that - it is of course better to install a motor designed for 12 VDC, than to use one with smaller rated voltage.
But if user is careful with powerpack (potententiometer position), it can use even this motor, if track voltage would not be greater than approximately 10 VDC. If powerpack maximum voltage is 12 VDC, than this would mean, that approximately 12 VDC is supplied to the motor only when a potentiometer is in final position, meaning locomotive is running at maximum speed. But, in most cases, trains do not run at maximum speed, or?
Hi there. Installing a motor in an old Bowser engine is a bit of a hassle, involving a gear removal, etc. I would say go with the best motor you can buy, that is, a 12 volt motor, low amperage, and the biggest one that will fit in your loco. Going with a sub-standard motor may force you to re-open the thing sooner than later, and start over again.
Simon