Replacing Bachmann tram motor block

[scook]

Hi all,

I have a friend who is going to replace a Bachmann motor block on a streetcar with a USA trains one, is there a thread anywhere which explains how to do this?

Thanks Sam

 

[Madman]

I did two conversions. Sadly I did not take any pictures. But the conversion is quite straight forward. The old motor block is held in place with four screws, as you already know. The USA Trains motor blocks do not have the extensions that would allow screws to be used to hold the motor block to the chassis, so I simply used glue. Not the ideal method but it is simple.

 

[dunnyrail]

Hi all,

I have a friend who is going to replace a Bachmann motor block on a streetcar with a USA trains one, is there a thread anywhere which explains how to do this?

Thanks Sam

I tend to use the end screws to place some metal over things to put the motors in place, but also short screwed metal pieces to the sides. Most important to get those screws small so not to disturb innards and ensure no swarf inside the chassis.. Have a look at post 14 on this thread to see how I have done it, I think a wider pair of L shaped either side should work for you.i did mine like this so that the bogie would rock end to end the other bogie being made to rock sideways giving me 3 point compensation on a bogie loco conversion.

Post in thread 'Sundry Battery Conversions. Swiftsixteen Railcar Railbus battery fit Piko 35008, IP Jessie fit. LGB 2092 Fosworks. Piko class 80 Also Piko 35008'

4 Mar 2023

@dunnyrail not to anything away from your conversion, I did use the playmobil lighting board, and also li-Ion batteries in my conversion:

Playmobil 4010 2.4 ghz Conversion

Background The Playmobil PM Train (4010) is a battery powered (4 X AA) remote control locomotive, utilizing 27 mHz radio signal....

tumble-down-falls.blogspot.com

Yes somehow in my attempts to wire the lighting board in it got trashed somehow. Not the normal thing for me to screw up a simple wiring job like that but as they say sxxt happens. And yes we do have different views about battery technology.

• dunnyrail

 

[FatherMcD]

Hi all,

I have a friend who is going to replace a Bachmann motor block on a streetcar with a USA trains one, is there a thread anywhere which explains how to do this?

Thanks Sam

Dutchelm had a thread back in 2009, but the pictures are all lost. USA Trains power bogie I have a copy of the relevant parts of the thread and can send it to you with Dutchelm's permission.

 

[dutchelm]

A couple of pictures that were on the write-up on Bachmann tram mods.

 

[FatherMcD]

A couple of pictures that were on the write-up on Bachmann tram mods.


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This really was an excellent "how to" on re-motoring a Bachmann tram. I have one with a failing motor and made a copy as I was sure to need the info at some point and have observed how easily photos seem to disappear from articles. I'm not surprised that you were able to find your own photos, but I'm amazed at how quickly! Takes me days to go through my stuff. Thanks again for the original article.