Burned OUT!

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I have a small, inexpensive Lionel industrial switcher with a burned out DC can motor. Does anyone know where or how to get a replacement motor? Is there an option for a guy who does not want to take it to the dealer? Seems like an easy job if you can get the part.

Thanks!

[ragnar]

Try www.lionel.com there you'll find all the info on parts availability and a complete breakdown in pdf format,they do list a 44 tonner industrial switcher,hope thats what your looking for.

[daan]

I've replaced 2 motors in a small K-line switcher, probably your Lionel also uses truck mounted motors? I used sanyo motor's a found at a "cleanout sell" for 2 dollars each. Swapping the motor's was easy, but the small pinion wheel was tricky to get of the motor axle. To get it on the new motor I heated the cupper gearwheel and pushed it on the axle.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, guys. That really helped. Once you told me that it was possible to find these motors, I took my engine apart and removed the motor. It is a Mabuchi, but there is no model number. So I went to the Mabuchi motor website, and after some hunting, found a motor that fits the EXACT physical dimensions of my motor, verified by measuring it.

Here it is:
http://www.mabuchi-motor.co.jp/cgi-bin/catalog/e_catalog.cgi?CAT_ID=re_280rasa

There are several flavors of motor that seem to fit in this form factor. I am not sure what the electrical ratings indicate, or which one I have. Does anyone think it is safe to assume that I have found a potential replacement? It is encouraging that I found the motor in the "Model Toys" section of the site. If anyone can suggest a next action, I would love to hear it!

Thanks all!

[SPFan]

The motors on your link are rated for 6 volts max. Usually the ones used in 3 rail equipment is closer to 18 volts. Disconnect the motor leads and apply AC power to the frame and rollers or just place it on the track and apply power. Then take a voltmeter and read what the DC voltage to the motor lead is. Voltage rating is more important than physical size but having the same size motor makes for an easy replacement.

Pete

[lionelsoni]

The MTH locomotives that I have dissected have effectively 5 diode drops in series with the motor. This, along with the 10-percent loss from rms AC to full-wave DC, means that the motor would get around 12 volts DC for 18 AC on the track, if K-Line's circuits are similar to MTH's.

[daan]

Try a graupner 280 motor, it should fit too. the number 280 in the number you found on their website are the building dimensions of the motor. They come in 1.5; 3; 6 and 12 volts, but not all by mabuchi.
The Sanyo ones I got where from video recorders and are hi torque (are slightly bigger) and have more pulling power.