SpaceMouse
Fun Lover
I want to immediatley get a remotor and regear kit from NWSL for my MDC Climax A and regear kits for my MDC 0-6-0T kits. I wrote the following letter to NWSL
"Last week I went to Timonium because I heard you guys go there. I want to order some things but I can't sort through your catalog to figure out what it is I need. So I'll ask here.
The first thing I want to make run better is an MDC Climax A. I'm told I should both remotor and regear it.
I have 2 MDC 0-6-0 kits that I would like to regear. These have open motors.
I have a MDC 4-6-0 with a can motor I would like to regear.
I have 2 Mantua 2-6-2s that I would like to remotor and possibly regear.
What parts do I need?"
They replied back.
Information from the
NorthWest Short Line model maintenance shared information databank
MDC HO locomotives
The first step to improvement of the operation of an HO MDC locomotive
is replacement of the gearing. The NWSL re-gear kits #180-6 thru 183-6 fit the newer "step gear" (or compound gearing) design MDC mechanisms.
Older design (phase I) MDC HO gauge locomotives (gearing of worm direct to axle gear - approx. prior to about 1970) would have to be repowered using the idler or non-idler style gearboxes in the 0.3mod gearbox series (#139-6 thru 154-6, 1/8" axle sizes).
The step or compound gear phase II (circa 1970+) design kits used a Sagami open frame motor that provides excellent operation comparable to a can motor and therefore it is rarely beneficial to replace the motor.
A 1630 size motor can be used in some locomotives when space permits if desired (select the 180-6 or 181-6 to get correct worm bore if using the 1630 motor; or the 182-6 or 183-6 if using a 2032 or 1833 motor).
More recent (phase III) MDC locomotive kits (apparently released circa 1987) reportedly eliminated the compound gear, but apparently retained the same idler gear spacing which may permit installation of the #180-6, et al kits.
A later modification (phase IIIb) changed the chassis, eliminating the required idler gear shaft holes - while an attempt to drill this hole in proper
location may be successful, installation of an #142-6 or #153-6 gearbox kit
is the solution more likely to provide satisfactory operation. The 0-6-0T
(and possibly others) with instructions dated 9-87 or later CANNOT use the
#180-6, et al, series re-gear kits.
A recent redesign (circa 1998 - phase IV) changed to a small motor with 1.5mm shaft and flywheel on one end and moved the compound gear forward of the driver axle but retained the original compound gearing concept - has a ratio of 66-1. Any of the #180-6/183-6 series can be used here except that the proper bore worm (#10400-6) must be added in order to fit the 1.5mm shaft of the new motor (or use the new #178-6, 179-6 kits).
See also: MODEL RAILROADER, Dec 1985, pp 94+
See also: MODEL RAILROADER, May 2002, pp 58+
HO 2-8-0
Installation of 18337-9 size motor cut speed by half (now too slow with original gearing, need 45-1 #183-6 regear set) unk telecon
Installation of either gearing choice above requires replacement of the driver axle gear with new gear included in regear kit.
If the driver is in 'quarter' with the balance of the set, then a quartering tool is not necessary. Just mark the axle end and driverwheel hub scribe a straight line slightly off-center to avoid re-assembly 180 degrees off) before removing the wheel. Do NOT remove an axle insulated wheel if at all possible, they are more difficult to reassemble satisfactorily (they tend to subsequently work loose). Re-assemble by aligning your marks and pressing together.
The PULLER (#45-4) is useful for removing driver wheels and gears and can be used (tricky, but with great care it is possible to re-assemble the parts squarely - keep parts stay 'square' as you press them together) to re-assemble the parts.
The SENSIPRESS+ (#50-4) provides the capability of more reliable and quicker assembly and dis-assembly for modelers whose upgrading activity justifies the cost of this versatile tool.
HO 0-6-0 (circa 1940's) gearing
Worm - .254" OD (1/4") x .265 face x 3/32" bore
Wormgear - .462" OD x .118 face x 1/8" bore 35T 80DP
Replacement choices: 0.3mod gearbox, idler style recommended - your choice
of 28-1 or 36-1 ratio (#142-6 or #153-6) or worm #10000-6 and wormgear
#12130-6 (require slight adjustment of motor mount to achieve proper mesh).
Installation of a gearbox requires filing the "gear slot" slightly wider and longer to accept the gearbox. A gearbox provides more reliable mesh, better operation and life.
HO 2-6-0 OLD TIMER
12mm is largest motor diameter that can fit into existing boiler cavity - see the #12270-9
MOTORS - VERSIONS
note: the open frame motor used circa 1986-1996 was a fine running SAGAMI which operated comparable to a can motor, no need to replace it.
MDC HO & Hon3 locomotives SPECIFICATIONS change ALERT!!!
The "pre-1998 can motor" (ie. Circa 1995-1997) was a special Sagami single shaft (sealed design, armature cannot be changed to make it a double shaft) 1630 motor of 16,500 RPM and 0.6 oz-in torque (the NWSL #16306-9/#16307-9 has the same RPM and a torque of 0.8 oz-in).
The HO "1998 release versions" locomotive kits with their square 1.5mm shaft motor require the #178-6 and #179-6 versions of the normal #180-6 thru #183-6 MDC regear kits.
The 'new' motor(s?)that appeared late 1997, early 1998 can be identified rather easily - they are double shaft with a flywheel mounted on one shaft, square shape and with exposed armature. We suggest you watch them carefully for overload/overheating - NWSL has concerns that they have inadequate power for these model locomotives.
HO 2-6-0; 4-6-0; 4-4-2 regear project by Otto Brunke 4/2001
Start with NWSL #16306-9 motor
Replace stock worm with NWSL #10500-6, install on 1630 motor shaft.
Build idler with two NWSL #12524-6 (72DP 24T WG) pressed together on shaft
Install NWSL #14136-6 (72DP 36T RWG) on driver axle.
Remove lateral play from geared driver.
"..gears mesh well, speed is perfect"
Information from the
NorthWest Short Line model maintenance shared information databank
MANTUA/TYCO 0-4-0, ETC. REPOWERING 11/5/86
See MODEL RAILROADING magazine May/June 1984 issue for an excellent llustrated article on regearing/remotoring the Mantua 0-4-0 using the 16307-9 motor and either the #142-6 (28-1 ratio) or #153-6 (slower, 36-1 ratio) gearboxes plus a #482-6 Universal Coupler Set (or use the single shaft #16306-9 motor and mount the gearbox directly on the motor shaft). See the enclosed Master Product List for current product listing and prices. This motor and gearbox selection is also appropriate for the 2-6-6-2
The above article illustrates upgrading procedures and techniques applicable to all Mantua/TYCO and other brand cast frame HO steam locomotives.
MANTUA 2-8-2 4-6-2 4-6-4
For larger Mantua/TYCO locomotives such as the 4-6-2/2-8-2/etc., select the
#2032 size motor and the above noted gearboxes. The procedures noted in the above mentioned article can be applied to the larger locomotives also. The 1836 size motor with 28:1 (#142-6) results in about 45 SMPH - good for drag freight, too slow for most passenger.
Old "open gears" versions "second choice (an enclosed gearbox is first
preference)" for regearing is the NWSL #320-6 or NWSL 72DP (0.35mod) worm #10000-6 (or appropriate bore to fit motor shaft if not 3/32" or 2.4mm) and axle gear #11140-6 (brass) or #12140-6 (delrin, a better, longer lasting choice).
See also: MODEL RAILROADER, Dec 1985, pp 94+
Modeler Feedback Letters:
"I purchased a SAGAMI #1630 (motor) for my (Mantua) 2-8-2 Mikado. It was a fine motor and the engine runs like a dream." R E Walker, Venice FL 4-4-89
"Incidentally, the 20324-9 ... is working very nicely in my Mantua Mike mated to the 40-1 gear set" (#320-6; ie. #10000-6 & #12140-6 or #11140-6) LKJ Raleigh NC 1-23-83
"...#16306-9, #142-6 and #164-6 to 2mm shaft adapt kit for repowering the
Mantua Goats.....excellent results.." EG Ephrata PA 9-92 (note: this information is applicable to all the small Mantua HO locomotives from 0-4-0 up - 0-6-0, 2-6-0, 2-8-0, 4-4-0, etc.)
Steam loco tender trucks (some, maybe all??) use wheelset with 1/16" axle
journal - can use NWSL HO shouldered axles. (#37107-4 for 33"; #37108-4 for 36")
Steam switcher re-gear (build compound gearing arrangement using #180-6,
16203-9). Also illustrates simple motor mount adapter fabrication. NWSL recommends 1630 size motor, the 1620 motor shown in the article has inadequate power for satisfactory operating performance in our opinion.
MODEL RAILROADER Jan 93 pp 134-136
Mantua HO 2-8-2 (1994)
Sagami 1630, 34-1 gearbox, motor and gearbox fixed position therefore tube "u-jt" can be replaced with #491-6 12V NL speed 76SMPH (RMJ 9406P48+)
MOTOR NOTE:
Mantua replaced their original open frame motor, in at least some locomotives including the 2-6-6-2, in the mid to late 1980's with a Sagami 1630 size motor. This unit was sold separately also for conversion of older locomotives with a stock number of M-90 (or similar). Production of locomotives since 1993 has been moved to China and has used a Mabuchi(?) type "small flat side motor" reports a modeler in New Jersey. The NWSL #16306-9 (single shaft) or #16307-9 (double shaft) are appropriate replacements.
MOTORS:
16000-9: N, HO, S, O, #1, Large scale (10203-9)
http://nwsl.com/Brochure Pages/broch 160009 Motor.htm
12270-9: HOn3, N, HO
http://www.nwsl.com/Timetable Pages/tt20 29Jan05.htm
Sincerely,
F R Martin, NWSL
206-932-1087 fax 206-935-7106 Office hours: 8am-4pm PST M-F
I don't have a clue what to order.
Anyone care to help me guess.
"Last week I went to Timonium because I heard you guys go there. I want to order some things but I can't sort through your catalog to figure out what it is I need. So I'll ask here.
The first thing I want to make run better is an MDC Climax A. I'm told I should both remotor and regear it.
I have 2 MDC 0-6-0 kits that I would like to regear. These have open motors.
I have a MDC 4-6-0 with a can motor I would like to regear.
I have 2 Mantua 2-6-2s that I would like to remotor and possibly regear.
What parts do I need?"
They replied back.
Information from the
NorthWest Short Line model maintenance shared information databank
MDC HO locomotives
The first step to improvement of the operation of an HO MDC locomotive
is replacement of the gearing. The NWSL re-gear kits #180-6 thru 183-6 fit the newer "step gear" (or compound gearing) design MDC mechanisms.
Older design (phase I) MDC HO gauge locomotives (gearing of worm direct to axle gear - approx. prior to about 1970) would have to be repowered using the idler or non-idler style gearboxes in the 0.3mod gearbox series (#139-6 thru 154-6, 1/8" axle sizes).
The step or compound gear phase II (circa 1970+) design kits used a Sagami open frame motor that provides excellent operation comparable to a can motor and therefore it is rarely beneficial to replace the motor.
A 1630 size motor can be used in some locomotives when space permits if desired (select the 180-6 or 181-6 to get correct worm bore if using the 1630 motor; or the 182-6 or 183-6 if using a 2032 or 1833 motor).
More recent (phase III) MDC locomotive kits (apparently released circa 1987) reportedly eliminated the compound gear, but apparently retained the same idler gear spacing which may permit installation of the #180-6, et al kits.
A later modification (phase IIIb) changed the chassis, eliminating the required idler gear shaft holes - while an attempt to drill this hole in proper
location may be successful, installation of an #142-6 or #153-6 gearbox kit
is the solution more likely to provide satisfactory operation. The 0-6-0T
(and possibly others) with instructions dated 9-87 or later CANNOT use the
#180-6, et al, series re-gear kits.
A recent redesign (circa 1998 - phase IV) changed to a small motor with 1.5mm shaft and flywheel on one end and moved the compound gear forward of the driver axle but retained the original compound gearing concept - has a ratio of 66-1. Any of the #180-6/183-6 series can be used here except that the proper bore worm (#10400-6) must be added in order to fit the 1.5mm shaft of the new motor (or use the new #178-6, 179-6 kits).
See also: MODEL RAILROADER, Dec 1985, pp 94+
See also: MODEL RAILROADER, May 2002, pp 58+
HO 2-8-0
Installation of 18337-9 size motor cut speed by half (now too slow with original gearing, need 45-1 #183-6 regear set) unk telecon
Installation of either gearing choice above requires replacement of the driver axle gear with new gear included in regear kit.
If the driver is in 'quarter' with the balance of the set, then a quartering tool is not necessary. Just mark the axle end and driverwheel hub scribe a straight line slightly off-center to avoid re-assembly 180 degrees off) before removing the wheel. Do NOT remove an axle insulated wheel if at all possible, they are more difficult to reassemble satisfactorily (they tend to subsequently work loose). Re-assemble by aligning your marks and pressing together.
The PULLER (#45-4) is useful for removing driver wheels and gears and can be used (tricky, but with great care it is possible to re-assemble the parts squarely - keep parts stay 'square' as you press them together) to re-assemble the parts.
The SENSIPRESS+ (#50-4) provides the capability of more reliable and quicker assembly and dis-assembly for modelers whose upgrading activity justifies the cost of this versatile tool.
HO 0-6-0 (circa 1940's) gearing
Worm - .254" OD (1/4") x .265 face x 3/32" bore
Wormgear - .462" OD x .118 face x 1/8" bore 35T 80DP
Replacement choices: 0.3mod gearbox, idler style recommended - your choice
of 28-1 or 36-1 ratio (#142-6 or #153-6) or worm #10000-6 and wormgear
#12130-6 (require slight adjustment of motor mount to achieve proper mesh).
Installation of a gearbox requires filing the "gear slot" slightly wider and longer to accept the gearbox. A gearbox provides more reliable mesh, better operation and life.
HO 2-6-0 OLD TIMER
12mm is largest motor diameter that can fit into existing boiler cavity - see the #12270-9
MOTORS - VERSIONS
note: the open frame motor used circa 1986-1996 was a fine running SAGAMI which operated comparable to a can motor, no need to replace it.
MDC HO & Hon3 locomotives SPECIFICATIONS change ALERT!!!
The "pre-1998 can motor" (ie. Circa 1995-1997) was a special Sagami single shaft (sealed design, armature cannot be changed to make it a double shaft) 1630 motor of 16,500 RPM and 0.6 oz-in torque (the NWSL #16306-9/#16307-9 has the same RPM and a torque of 0.8 oz-in).
The HO "1998 release versions" locomotive kits with their square 1.5mm shaft motor require the #178-6 and #179-6 versions of the normal #180-6 thru #183-6 MDC regear kits.
The 'new' motor(s?)that appeared late 1997, early 1998 can be identified rather easily - they are double shaft with a flywheel mounted on one shaft, square shape and with exposed armature. We suggest you watch them carefully for overload/overheating - NWSL has concerns that they have inadequate power for these model locomotives.
HO 2-6-0; 4-6-0; 4-4-2 regear project by Otto Brunke 4/2001
Start with NWSL #16306-9 motor
Replace stock worm with NWSL #10500-6, install on 1630 motor shaft.
Build idler with two NWSL #12524-6 (72DP 24T WG) pressed together on shaft
Install NWSL #14136-6 (72DP 36T RWG) on driver axle.
Remove lateral play from geared driver.
"..gears mesh well, speed is perfect"
Information from the
NorthWest Short Line model maintenance shared information databank
MANTUA/TYCO 0-4-0, ETC. REPOWERING 11/5/86
See MODEL RAILROADING magazine May/June 1984 issue for an excellent llustrated article on regearing/remotoring the Mantua 0-4-0 using the 16307-9 motor and either the #142-6 (28-1 ratio) or #153-6 (slower, 36-1 ratio) gearboxes plus a #482-6 Universal Coupler Set (or use the single shaft #16306-9 motor and mount the gearbox directly on the motor shaft). See the enclosed Master Product List for current product listing and prices. This motor and gearbox selection is also appropriate for the 2-6-6-2
The above article illustrates upgrading procedures and techniques applicable to all Mantua/TYCO and other brand cast frame HO steam locomotives.
MANTUA 2-8-2 4-6-2 4-6-4
For larger Mantua/TYCO locomotives such as the 4-6-2/2-8-2/etc., select the
#2032 size motor and the above noted gearboxes. The procedures noted in the above mentioned article can be applied to the larger locomotives also. The 1836 size motor with 28:1 (#142-6) results in about 45 SMPH - good for drag freight, too slow for most passenger.
Old "open gears" versions "second choice (an enclosed gearbox is first
preference)" for regearing is the NWSL #320-6 or NWSL 72DP (0.35mod) worm #10000-6 (or appropriate bore to fit motor shaft if not 3/32" or 2.4mm) and axle gear #11140-6 (brass) or #12140-6 (delrin, a better, longer lasting choice).
See also: MODEL RAILROADER, Dec 1985, pp 94+
Modeler Feedback Letters:
"I purchased a SAGAMI #1630 (motor) for my (Mantua) 2-8-2 Mikado. It was a fine motor and the engine runs like a dream." R E Walker, Venice FL 4-4-89
"Incidentally, the 20324-9 ... is working very nicely in my Mantua Mike mated to the 40-1 gear set" (#320-6; ie. #10000-6 & #12140-6 or #11140-6) LKJ Raleigh NC 1-23-83
"...#16306-9, #142-6 and #164-6 to 2mm shaft adapt kit for repowering the
Mantua Goats.....excellent results.." EG Ephrata PA 9-92 (note: this information is applicable to all the small Mantua HO locomotives from 0-4-0 up - 0-6-0, 2-6-0, 2-8-0, 4-4-0, etc.)
Steam loco tender trucks (some, maybe all??) use wheelset with 1/16" axle
journal - can use NWSL HO shouldered axles. (#37107-4 for 33"; #37108-4 for 36")
Steam switcher re-gear (build compound gearing arrangement using #180-6,
16203-9). Also illustrates simple motor mount adapter fabrication. NWSL recommends 1630 size motor, the 1620 motor shown in the article has inadequate power for satisfactory operating performance in our opinion.
MODEL RAILROADER Jan 93 pp 134-136
Mantua HO 2-8-2 (1994)
Sagami 1630, 34-1 gearbox, motor and gearbox fixed position therefore tube "u-jt" can be replaced with #491-6 12V NL speed 76SMPH (RMJ 9406P48+)
MOTOR NOTE:
Mantua replaced their original open frame motor, in at least some locomotives including the 2-6-6-2, in the mid to late 1980's with a Sagami 1630 size motor. This unit was sold separately also for conversion of older locomotives with a stock number of M-90 (or similar). Production of locomotives since 1993 has been moved to China and has used a Mabuchi(?) type "small flat side motor" reports a modeler in New Jersey. The NWSL #16306-9 (single shaft) or #16307-9 (double shaft) are appropriate replacements.
MOTORS:
16000-9: N, HO, S, O, #1, Large scale (10203-9)
http://nwsl.com/Brochure Pages/broch 160009 Motor.htm
12270-9: HOn3, N, HO
http://www.nwsl.com/Timetable Pages/tt20 29Jan05.htm
Sincerely,
F R Martin, NWSL
206-932-1087 fax 206-935-7106 Office hours: 8am-4pm PST M-F
I don't have a clue what to order.
Anyone care to help me guess.
