Repower Athearn Bluebox with new Bachman motors

[andychandler]

Would using new Bachman motors to repower Blue Box motors for DCC service seem reasonable?  Many thanks, Andy

[mbinsewi]

I have quite a few BB locos.  I know nothing about Bachmann's motors, if they are a "drop in" or not.

I probably would be prepared to replace the rest of the drive chain as well, along with how the motor is secured to the frame.

Mike.

[andychandler]

thanks for your reply.  Was thinking of using the newer motor, then customize the drive chain.  Silicone caulk is easy enough to attach the motor to the frame,  Regards, andy chandler

[mbinsewi]

OK, well, I would start with the hex drive in the flywheel, and the dog bone type drive shaft, from the hex drive to the truck.

They seem to run quieter than the splined drive shafts.

Mike.

[Mark R.]

You can buy hex-shafts in a variety of lengths from Athearn. For that matter, even the worm gear coupler is available as parts through the Genesis line.

Mark. 

[Old Fat Robert]

This is your project of course, so you must do what you want to do. But I find myself wondering (since the motors are similiar in price) why you wouldn't just use a new Athearn motor?

Old Fat Robert

[andychandler]

I can purchse new F7B units for about $20.  My thot was to salvage the motors.  The mechanism sure looks like a copy of Athearn drives.  Many thanks for all of your thots.  Andy

[rrinker]

 Frankly, if you are going to use a non-Athearn motor, the Canon EN-22 would be my choice. Followed by the Kato motors.

                                   --Randy

 

[RR_Mel]

I’ll second Randy on using a Canon EN-22, they’re a great motor.  Be careful ordering them off eBay, I’ve had to return two orders because they were 24 volt falsely advertised as 12 volts.  The windings measure below 20Ω on a 12 volt EN-22 motor and 80Ω for a 24 volt motor.  

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for

[rrinker]

 Those happen to be the motors used in the Stewart/Bowser Baldwin switchers, which were made by one of the brass companies, Ajin I think. They are super quiet, ultra low current draw.

                               --Randy

 

[xdford]

I have actually used two Bachmann motors as was suggested, one in a GP38 and one in a switcher and I have found them to be better performers than the old Bluebox motors I had in those units, simply because I could get them. For some reason those EN22's are not around much here but I have single ended ones driving converted Athearn RDC's and as Randy has noted are very low on current draw and great control...

Cheers from Australia

Trevor