Aristocraft Electric Point Motors

[electricity_bill]

Hello
Anybody got any advice on how to make these work? I have two of them which a got on EBay and they appear new. However when I connect them as per the instruction leaflet- nothing happens. Should the supply be AC as per the leaflet for should it be DC. I have tied both with the same result.
Bill

 

[Tim Brien]

Re:Aristocraft Electric Point Motors

Bill,
if the later type then they were built to operate on around 9 volts DC. The later type are a very, very, very dumbed down version of the Bohler model from memory. They are completely unsuitable, as were the earlier type for outdoor use.

Link to Greg Elmassian's write up on the switch machines.
http://elmassian.com/trains/track-aamp-switches/aristo-track/new-aristo-motors

 

[Gizzy]

Re:Aristocraft Electric Point Motors

Normally point motors are fed from an AC supply, but actually operated by Half Wave Recitified DC using a couple of diodes after the switches.

To test the motor, 'dab' wires from a DC supply (from a battery or a controller) onto the motor terminals. Swap the wires around to check that the motor operates in the opposite direction....

 

[electricity_bill]

Re:Aristocraft Electric Point Motors

Hello and thanks for that. The link to Greg's page was invaluable. I found the switch motors via the index and sorted them out. The problem was two fold. Firstly, the motor pinions were loose on the shaft - superglue - and secondly, the slider contacts needed contact grease and now they work.
Thanks again
Bill