Hello, I am currently building a Bowser K4 that I bought off of ebay. The kit came with all the super detail parts and was never assembled. The model is coming along fine, but the open frame electric motor that came with the kit does not work well. Does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement motor?
Search for Helix Humper. Drop in can replacements with flywheels.
Mike
Helix Humper makes a drop-in replacement motor that should work well: http://www.alliancelink.com/alp/photos.htm The motor you want is #152.
Or if you're really good with tools, metalworking, and all that stuff, you can do like I did with my Bowser 2-8-2 and put in a gearbox from NWSL with your own choice of motor. This will make an even better runner than the Helix Humper kit (the HH kit is still excellent), but it requires a LOT more work!
_________________________________________________________________
Thanks for the information. I will look into the Helix Humper can motor.
It's odd that you're having trouble with the open frame motor. They're usually pretty reliable. You might try oiling the motor bearings and using a q-tip with acetone or contact cleaner to polish the commutator rings. Also made sure the brushes are properly aligned. If you switch to the Helix Humper you will gain in responsiveness to the throttle but you'll loose a little in speed and pulling power. Bowser's engine design predates DCC. If you are thinking of going that route eventually you should go with the can motor-gearbox idea because it's essential to isolate and insulate the motor from the engine frame. Good Luck! Bowser kits can be a real challenge.