HO Scale Locomotive Motor Brushes.

[Anonymous]

This is kind of a imoral Question: I know that alot of you Modelers love to run your Locomotives to death on your layout but how long can you run a Locomotive till the Motor Brushes wear out?
Thanks.
Oh one more thing too im talking about all types brands,Athearn,Kato,etc.

[jsoderq]

This question has no answer. First there are too many variables. Different models have different motors even from the same manufacturer. The brushes themselves will vary due to tolerances in the processing. Spring tension and rpm have a great deal to do with wear. So does the operating temperature. In many cases motor brushes may not be available. This is something not worth worrying about. Old Athearn locos with the diecast frames and some old pittman motors use to be hard on brushes - replaced a few of these in my time.

[Anonymous]

But isn't it better just to replace the Motor it self?

[cacole]

I saw a TV show about a museum layout that runs HO scale locomotives 12 hours per day, 364 days a year. In all that time, they have had to replace more worn out track and wheels than motors. The owner said a can motor, in particular, seems to run forever with no maintanance other than routine lubrication. But anyway, you're right about it being cheaper and simpler to just replace the motor instead of trying to change the brushes.

[Anonymous]

Who knows they might come out with an HO Scale AC driven Locomotive[:D], Of course that is only a thought.

[cacole]

Marklin has been making both AC and DC powered HO scale locomotives for several years, in both 2 rail and 3 rail.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all.

[AggroJones]

I've got a Bachmann Russian Decapod who's motor burned out after about 1 hour of running. Obviously there was somthing wrong with motor. Probably the brushes. I'm still waiting on the replacement.

[Virginian]

If it truly burned out, probably not the motor brushes. More likely an insulation failure in the armature. The "insulation" on that fine wire is basically one coat of varnish.