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eBay Athearn BB HO replacement motors [New info 4/20/22]

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:50 AM

I figure any can motor locked rotor over 1 amp at 12 volts is pretty good for HO locomotives.  The RPM is a bit low for Athearn BB diesels but they should work pretty good for multiple engine consists using the same motors.

I have an Athearn SD-40 frame set up for testing and both motors did well except for speed matching against the Mabuchi FK280SA 14200, plenty of power.  With the Cary E7 metal body on the SD-40 frame (31 oz) and the new motors the draw bar at wheel slip is the same as the FK280, 8.6 oz.


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



My Model Railroad    
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
Aging is not for wimps.

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,775 posts
Posted by snjroy on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:22 AM

Thanks for sharing Mel. In my experience, the slower the better when it comes to motor speed. Your readings of the locked motor amps are interesting - I would have guessed a lower rating. 

Simon

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
eBay Athearn BB HO replacement motors [New info 4/20/22]
Posted by RR_Mel on Saturday, May 29, 2021 3:16 PM

I found these motors on eBay.  Pretty fast delivery, placed orders on May 19, received on 28.

After testing them out I’m a bit unsure of their operation.  As compared to the Canon EN 22 both have very close to the same power at different RPM.  The Canon is a 12 volt motor 6800 RPM 1.2 Amps Locked Rotor and I’m unsure of the actual operating voltage of the new motors.  Both state a voltage range with a listed RPM at 12 volts.

My findings were very close to the stated specs at 12 volts.  As far as using them in an Athearn frame the RPM is lower then the Athearn at 12,000 RPM so high speed will be lower using these motors but I don’t think anyone runs them at full speed.  About 80% or around scale 85MPH top speed.

Both motors have much more torque than the stock Athearn motors at half the current.




Here are the eBay links:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324468278963

https://www.ebay.com/itm/383836500396?var=652189815716




Mel



 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

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