Pitmann 70 DC motor

[knewsom]

Does anyone know of a drop in replacement for a Pitmann 70 DC motor. I have a brass engine that I need to replace the motor in. It is a 2-8-0 made by United Scale Models in the 50's (green box).

I thought that the Pitmann 70 was a common motor, so I am hoping there is a replacement that has the same mounting holes, etc.

Thanks,
Kevin

[jrbarney]

Kevin,
In my opinion, your best bet is to contact Mr. Frederick Martin or one of his assistants at NorthWest Short Line:
http://www.nwsl.com
and get their recommendation. Although the Pittman open frame motors were good in their day, a replacement from NWSL will probably be even better. Since you want to match the hole pattern, you might have to fabricate an adapter plate from flat brass stock.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[nfmisso]

Kevin;

I would go with Bob's advice.

Adding a bit of history, about 30 years or so ago, Bowser Trains purchase all of the tooling for open frame hobby motors from Pittman. They may have some replacement parts, or be able to assist if you insist on a DC70 motor.

[Anonymous]

Last price from Bowser on the DC70 PIttman motor was in the range of $29.95. Ebay has them occasionally for around $5-10. The early Mantua engines came out with the Pittman's around 1948, so this is very old technology.

If you have a United SF or B&O 2-8-0 you have plenty of room where the DC70 went in to install a nice North West Short Line can motor. You would be surprised at how much smoother and quieter the engine becomes with the new motor, plus starts and stops much more prototypically, and runs on a lot less current. North West Short Line has a catalog that details what can motors will fit into which replacement locos. The DC70 was such a common motor for many years in imported engines and probably is the most common motor that is swapped out for NWSL can motors. I believe that NWSL even has a bracket that comes with the motor that makes the installation a snap. You can purchase a quality replacement motor for about $15 that will last a lifetime and have superb operating performance. A call to NWSL or a check on their website will get you the information you need.

[Anonymous]

I've remotored quite a few engines inc a United ATSF 2-8-0 with flat can motors. I forget the actual # but I think there are only a few and the difference is in the length. I even had room for a flywheel on the end opposite from the gearbox (no backhead). For best results, I strongly recommend an idler gearbox w/ the motor mounted on a torque arm fastened to the gearbox and use NWSL universals to connect the shafts.