Playmobil motor block - replacement motor

[ge_rik]

Wondering if there is someone with the knowledge to help or advise...

I made a Southwold Railway Sharp Stewart inspired loco using a Playmobil motor block as it had the right sized wheels and wheel spacings:

However, as these motors are 14v max., although I run off 12v, it does tend to complain (much humming and buzzing at low revs and not very controllable at slow speed).

I'd like to replace the 14v motor with an equivalent 22v motor. I've checked the LGB motor blocks I have to hand and none of them has the same sized can motor - which is 27mm dia and 37.5mm in length (ie end to end of the can).

Does anyone know if there's an LGB/Buhler equivalent which will slot in?

I think my alternative might be to replace it with an LGB block, but so far I've not found one with the right wheel size or wheel spacings.

Here's the Sharpie BTW:

Rik

 

[playmofire]

I'm surprised that you have slow running problems, Rik. Apart from an LGB Spremberger all my locos are Playmobil, either track-powered or R/C, and I find the former have very good low speed running and run very quietly. The low speed running with the track-powered ones is such that I can think I have set the control to OFF and find that the train/loco is gently disappearing down the track because the controller is not quite set to OFF. I do find that after a long period of time without being run they can be slow to respond and hum a bit, but these issues disappear after a few minutes running.

 

[PhilP]

I would investigate the motor you have first Rik...
Does sound like it is a bit 'sticky'.. Could it have been over lubricated in a past life?

 

[ge_rik]

I would investigate the motor you have first Rik...
Does sound like it is a bit 'sticky'.. Could it have been over lubricated in a past life?

Not sure. Bought it secondhand (via ebay.de). I must admit that I assumed the lack of power at start-up was the lower voltage rating of the motor. Will strip it down to see if it needs some maintenance.

Rik

 

[ge_rik]

Another triumph for the combined wisdom and talents of the GSC community - thanks guys!

I stripped the motor block down, cleaned everything and then lubricated with silicon grease. This made a slight improvement but not much. However, using the information which I'd been given here, I decided to discount the Playmobil block as the problem and turned my attention to the receiver/ESC. In this model I had used one of Deltang's earliest Rxs (an Rx60a), which was only rated at 1A, and also lacked the sophistication of the more recent offerings. After some experimentation, I realised the rx was the problem. So, I sold off some of my last remaining DCC gear and invested in a Deltang Rx65b - PROBLEM SOLVED!!

Thanks to the help given, you saved me making the costly and time consuming mistake of seeking a replacement motor block.

The proof of the pud .....

http://youtu.be/YBEep8dyLYI

Thanks chaps. Team effort!!

Rik

 

[playmofire]

Perfect!

 

[beavercreek]

Rik, what make of silicone grease do you use...it is obviously plastics safe.
I use the Hobbylube grease but it has got pretty expensive recently.

 

[PhilP]

Excellent result...
Do it again.. With the sound on!!

 

[ge_rik]

Rik, what make of silicone grease do you use...it is obviously plastics safe.
I use the Hobbylube grease but it has got pretty expensive recently.

I've got two sorts - Carlube and Labelle 106 (with PTFE). I used the Labelle on the Sharpie. Can't remember how much they were, it was a while ago since I bought them.

Rik

 

[ge_rik]

Excellent result...
Do it again.. With the sound on!!

Hi Phil
Not had a chance to run her again - but here she is when she first entered service in November 2013. You'll notice the video avoids showing her starting off and slowing to a halt close to the camera .... :

https://youtu.be/DXqMbTpDDTQ

Rik