I have an older [1980's] Bachmann 2-8-0 that appears to be electrically dead.
I am knew to this so please excuse ignorance inherent in the question, but could someone in plain language run me through the current flow circuit for this engine. ie, where it picks up current from the rails & where it feeds current back into the rails, via the electric motor.
Also, what tests can I do to determine if the electric motor is stuffed, or if the problem is the 'pickup' system.
Thank you
Tanked
If this is not a Spectrum 2-8-0, the model picks up power from the drive wheels on both sides and the motor is sandwiched between two frame halves that are held apart by insulated washers, with bronze wipers from the motor brushes pressing against each frame half. There is no wiring in these models, so if it has died chances are it's the motor brushes.
Good luck on finding parts. A new locomotive would probably be cheaper.
You are correct, there is no wiring.
I stripped the motor right down to clean the commutator, which needed it [It is a 'flat plate' style]
The brushes have about 1/8" left - I don't know the original length.
I reassembled & hooked current to the brushes, got it to spin up, but noted that on a Atlas power pack with a dial scale of 0 to 100, nothing happened until the dial was at '45'. I have other Steam locos that will kick off at 15, so I suspect the motor is 'high resistance'?, or high draw? I would like to get it going for curiosity sake but it probably won't be a great runner.
It has been stripped down in an earlier life & mismatched screws used. Some are missing.
I need a '15 screw' set that Bachmann have on the exploded diagram for the 2-8-0, - does anyone know a store who stocks that set if Bachmann doesn't?
Thanks