Noisy Bowser engines

[Ted Lewis]

I have a small fleet of Bowser steamers that sound like coffee grinders. Worm and gear alignments are good. It's just the old design. I would like them to run quietly. Any suggestions?

 

[bnsf971]

Can motors, and polishing compound on the brass gears.

 

[Y3a]

Find some of the "Helix Humper" swap in motor/flywheel motors. I have them in ALL my Bowser steam. Very quiet, and much smoother running than those open frame motors.

 

[Greg@mnrr]

How long were the locomotives run for a break in period?

The suggestions above are very good, but I would try lube on the motor bushing and check the amount of lube on the gears in the towers.

Let us know of your progress.

Greg

 

[JIMA]

Where might one find a Helix Humper motor these days?

Thanks
Jim

 

[Y3a]

Probably have to go to a train show.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Where might one find a Helix Humper motor these days?

Thanks
Jim

Comon, Guys -- Please inform me as to what a Helix Humper motor is?
I have never heard this term?

 

[santafewillie]

Comon, Guys -- Please inform me as to what a Helix Humper motor is?
I have never heard this term?

It's a replacement motor. Ask Google or whatever you use.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Got it - Thanks Willie!

 

[Y3a]

I think there were 2-3 companies who made something similar. With Bowser out of the kit steam engine business, and NWSL going away, the build and modify steam loco's is a done deal. I wanted to build a PRR T1 with 2 motors n such, but THATS when I found out they quit the metal kits.

 

[malletman]

Helix Humper was the motors product name, they were offered from Allentown Locomotive Works at one time. But, if memory serves me right, the original owner became ill and the company just kind of faded away. I have one of his Athearn repower motors in one of my brass diesels. They featured a "wormfly", which combined the flywheel with the worm gear as many Bowser and Mantua used a simple axle gear and the worm gear was directly on the motors output shaft, no idler gear. So combining the two allowed for a flywheel were none would fit before due to the diecast boiler that surrounds the motor. It is a shame this motor design did not get picked up by someone like A-Line as there are still many of these older steamers needing a new motor without the hassle/machining to install a complete new gear box. Just camp out on ebay and watch the flat of parts and motors at train shows, one will turn up.