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Keeping the fleet running

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  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 7:50 PM

https://thetrainroommancave.shutterfly.com/#%3aemid%3dsite_sitecreated%26cid%3dSHARE3SXXXX

Here's some pictures of my multi scale layout. Started it 3 years ago when we moved. It is 8.5 x 8.5 feet in a spare bedroom.

I have pictures of my G setup on the Garden Railways forum in a thread called" Garden Railroad, take 2". It is my second garden line, the previous was at the old house.

Paul

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, July 12, 2021 7:55 PM

Postwar Paul
Yes, and also S gauge, and 0n30. Because....I can't make up my mind!

That is really a great execution of a multi-scale layout.

I hope you share more of it in days to come.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Monday, July 12, 2021 5:44 PM

Yes, and also S gauge, and 0n30. Because....I can't make up my mind!

Too much cool stuff to run!

Oh, and G running in the backyard....

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, July 11, 2021 11:36 PM

Those are some neat pictures.

At first I did not realize it was a multi-scale layout.

I see Lionel, HO, N, and I think some dual gauge.

Thank you for sharing.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Sunday, July 11, 2021 10:40 PM

https://rivarossilives.shutterfly.com/#%3aemid%3dsite_sitecreated%26cid%3dSHARE3SXXXX

Here's a link to some pictures. The Crescent and the Chippewa running again! Also had to rebuild the Flyer 312, it was a mess when I bought it!

Paul

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Sunday, July 11, 2021 10:29 PM

There is a small space behind the back of the motor and the back of the cab, about 1 or 2 mm, so I have some wiggle room. Also, my thinking is that I have so many 40 year old N engines that could use a new motor, hopefully the ones I ordered will be useful somewhere. Very Happy to have resuscitated my 2 premium N scale trains from 1979: the Southern Crescent, and the Milwaukee Chippewa. Many fond memories of these plying the rails in my apartment! 2 more Rivarossi engines also need a rebuild, so the repairs are piling up faster than I can get to them! 
I do enjoy fixing trains, though!  Big part of the hobby for me!

Paul

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, July 11, 2021 9:24 PM

Postwar Paul
This Rivarossi motor is an unusual size: 15 mm in diameter,13 mm long, 1 mm shaft. Maybe able to use the last motor listed on NWSL site. Just have to try it and see.

I had a couple Rivarossi locomotives when I was in N scale, and they had the biggest can motors that could possible fit. The SW switcher lost all kinds of detail to make room for the motor.

The NWSL motor might work. It could be a tad longer than the OEM motor.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Sunday, July 11, 2021 4:11 PM

All great tips, thanks! I've learned a lot already, and feel like I have a better shot at accomplishing what I'm after. I find This Rivarossi motor is an unusual size: 15 mm in diameter,13 mm long, 1 mm shaft. Maybe able to use the last motor listed on NWSL site. Just have to try it and see.

They have all kinds of useful goodies on their site!

Paul

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, July 11, 2021 8:54 AM

Paul,

if looking at older NWSL (including Sagami) motors, the part numbers are based on the size.

For example, a motor part number with the first four digits 1624 would be 16mm in diameter and 24mm long. If your caliper does not measure in millimeters, 0.040" is close enough to 1mm for conversions.

The rest of the NWSL part number is shaft diameter and single or double shaft.

On their current website, the new motors they sell are pretty much just physical descriptions.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Sunday, July 11, 2021 8:37 AM

Thanks to all for your great advice! I'll be measuring carefully.

Thanks again,

Paul

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Franconia, NH
  • 3,130 posts
Posted by dstarr on Saturday, July 10, 2021 10:45 PM

You want to measure the old motor in the locomotive (length width,height), and order a motor of the same size.  Look in the locomotive and see what clearance exists around the motor.  Easiest way to measure a motor is with a vernier caliper.  If you don't have one, you can use a pair of dividers to measure the motor and then set them along side a ruler to take a measurement.  While you are at it, look for a maker's name and a model number on the old motor.  If you get lucky the motor vendor (NWSL or others) will have such a motor in stock.  Otherwise go with the the best match on dimensions. 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Saturday, July 10, 2021 9:04 PM

Use your Micrometer to measure inside the shell, then remember to allow room for clearance for things like wires, decoder, lighting, etc.

Unfortunately I can not help more than that suggestion...

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Saturday, July 10, 2021 5:37 PM

I just looked at the motors NWSL lists.  Some are obviously way too big for N.  I suggest figuring out which ones MIGHT work for N, and ordering at least one of each.  Looks like maybe 8, at first glance.

With a motor in hand, you can SEE if it fits.  If you find one that works, install it and order another as a replacement

You'll always have one of each on hand to check for fit.  And to install, if you wish.

 

 

Ed

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Keeping the fleet running
Posted by Postwar Paul on Saturday, July 10, 2021 5:21 PM

Hello,just a general question. I am maintaining my N Scale fleet, some of which is over 40 years old. I resurrected 2 Rivarossi steam engines by swapping around motors and brushes; 4 dead steamers mixing and matching parts yeilded 2 good running engines.

My question is this:

I want to order new motors from NWSL. Does anyone know the correct size for N scale Rivarossi steam engines?

Also, what sized motor for Tomix Japanese N scale " Shinkansen" Bullet trains?

Thanks in advance,

Paul

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