The Gem Reading B-8 has a motor that i can't identify and would like to know more about (quality). I wonder if it may have been more commonly used in older (1960s) slot cars.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Well it's kinda stamped right there on the cap over the magnet - it's a KTM motor. Definitely older, original reviews of the loco don't make it sound too bad, compared with much of what was around then, although besides likely having weakened magnets it's definitely outclassed by more modern can motors.
Looks like only 3 lobes (HUGE argument back and forth in MR back in the day when they started calling them "5 pole' and '7 pole' motors - technically that's incorrect, but it persists to today). Contemporary motors from Pittman were mostly 5 lobe. Replacement magnets would help but nmot as much as they would on a nicer motor. If performance is a concern, remotoring is probably best. Not a lot of room in that little guy though.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
i can find very little information when googling for ktm or katsumi motor. is there a better description for this?
what original review of the loco was there?
thanks
Hmm, search is still somewhat lacking in the MR DVD Collection, hard to find. However it may not be as old as you might think - the B8c does not appear in Gem ads until the mid 70's.
Are you also thinking abount a sound decoder?
I would use a minimum 1 amp, Be sure the wheels and side rods etc are not binding.
These are from the late sixties and early seventies. I bought my A-5 from Tom Thumb Hobbies near City Hall in Phila, maybe 1968?? I bought the B-8 in the seventies.
They are not so bad runners. A can motor could be applied but watch you space. The Decoder and speaker will need to go in the tender or shoe horned in the Wooten firebox.
RDG1519Are you also thinking abount a sound decoder?
i've just ordered a DCC system and was thinking a tcs t-1 would work, but have little experience with dcc. What sound decoder would you suggest for the B-8?
i also have an I-5. any other suggestions welcome
thanks, greg
To me, without causing a firestorm, I think the Tsunamis are the best steam loco sound decoders. Use the small steam loco for the switcher and the I-5 (2-8-0) can use the small or medium size steam loco. The motor in the I-5 is a 5 pole, might benefit from super magnets??
1 amp in these guy's, don't take the chance of burning up a good decoder because of excess curren draw.
Chris
That Katsumi five-lobe was one of the better vertical-mount motors, but needs to be kept lubricated to assure longevity. I would test it for current draw (ammeter in series with DC track power) before selecting a decoder. I would also look into possible modifications, and make them before decoder installation.
Not much about this type motor in current Japanese advertising. More recent Katsumi locos have horizontal can motors, as do their MU cars.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
thanks for all the responses
i believe my question has been answered and i appreciate the additional comments regarding this engine in particular.
would replacing the magnets in this motor with neodymium magnets be worth the effort, easier than finding a replacement motor?