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Author Topic: Converting a new RC train to old style electric  (Read 17739 times)

Offline Knight Train

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2008, 07:21:12 »
I don't have a cargo train handy to look at, but would it be possible to put in 2 engine electric blocks?

I'm thinking that the cargo train would be able to pull more cars with 2 engine blocks rather than one, sort of like the 4052 large locomotive which has a powered engine and powered tender. 

This question came about when I was talking about the RC trains at a show this weekend and the complaint was they would only pull 4 partially loaded cars, whereas the electric train can pull 7 or 8 and the 4052 can pull 12.
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Offline gloobey

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2008, 02:41:55 »
I haven't tried it, but it looks like it would work. The holes seem to be in the same place on both ends so a motor block should screw into each end. You would need to get a second grey motor housing, and then trim the battery pack end off to get the right clearance. The other option would be to modify the existing grey wheel carrier that it comes with.

I'm a little frustrated in trying to explain this. I'd like to show a few pics but my digital camera died on me this morning! If you turn the loco over you can see what I mean. One of the grey wheel carriers is shorter thna the other...I hope I haven't confused you?
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Offline Knight Train

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2008, 07:06:09 »
Of course I'm confused  :yup:

My 4010 cargo train is up in the attic, but maybe I'll have to get the ladder and retrieve it, so I can see what it's like underneath.
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Offline Richard

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2008, 15:44:31 »


Quote from: Knight Train on February 06, 2008, 07:06:09
but maybe I'll have to get the ladder and retrieve it ...

Be careful ...

The last time I did that, I slipped off the ladder and broke four ribs ...  8}


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Offline gloobey

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #14 on: February 08, 2008, 05:02:42 »
Okay, since my camera is currently being shipped to me I thought I migt try to clarify my previous explanation a bit. The part that I'm calling the motor housing is actually part no. 30452920 an dthe wheel carrier is 30452910.

Both of these parts can be clearly seen on playmodb.org if you look up set 4010. This is the best i can do until I get my camera. I hope it helps?
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Offline Knight Train

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2008, 00:50:45 »
Got the train down (no injuries!) and it looks like it would be a major chore to add 2 engine blocks.  The housing that contains the second set of wheels is smaller than the set containing the RC motor as the battery mount for the motor is in the center of the engine car.  And the 2 pairs wheels just clip into the housing.  Which is what you would expect since there's no reason the make it any different.

I guess I was thinking more like the tender coal car on the 4029 set, where it's the same tender car as the 4052 large locomotive, but it has an motor block consisting of only of the wheels - no motor or electrical connections.
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Offline gloobey

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2008, 01:05:20 »
I still don't think it would be that hard. It would definitely require a call to Direct Service. I would want to have spare parts before I started altering things. My other thought was to just have two locos. Set 'em up with the same quartz colors and awaythey go, twice the pulling power!
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What's the point of going, if you can't get there on a train?

Offline Richard

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2008, 19:12:48 »

Quote from: gloobey on February 09, 2008, 01:05:20
I still don't think it would be that hard. It would definitely require a call to Direct Service. I would want to have spare parts before I started altering things. My other thought was to just have two locos. Set 'em up with the same quartz colors and away they go, twice the pulling power!

Hello,, Steve and KT ...

Seems like I read someplace that the RPMs of the two electric motors have to identical, or you'll wear out the gears and shorten the lives of both motors. Have either of you ever heard that before?

BTW, KT ... Happy you didn't try any aerobatics from the attic to the floor below ... ;)

All the best,
Richard

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Offline Knight Train

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #18 on: February 10, 2008, 03:41:13 »
Quote
Seems like I read someplace that the RPMs of the two electric motors have to be identical, or you'll wear out the gears and shorten the lives of both motors. Have either of you ever heard that before?
Richard, this is absolutely correct, but in the case of playmobil, all the electric engine blocks are all the same gearing and motors, so you can run two at a time.  In fact Playmobil did exactly that with the 4052 locomotive - it has a motor in the locomotive and a motor in the coal tender.

Glazz74's layout that he takes to train shows around here has two diesel engines pulling his load of 12 or so cars.

In the case of LGB engines and locomotives - they have so many different electric motors and final gearing (wheel size as well as inside gearing) that you really have to pay attention.  I think all Stanz locos are the same motor and gearing, but don't quote me on that.
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Offline Richard

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Re: Converting a new RC train to old style electric
« Reply #19 on: February 10, 2008, 03:57:25 »

Thanks for the info, KT ...

Quote from: Knight Train on February 10, 2008, 03:41:13
... in the case of playmobil, all the electric engine blocks are all the same gearing and motors, so you can run two at a time.  In fact Playmobil did exactly that with the 4052 locomotive - it has a motor in the locomotive and a motor in the coal tender.

To be sure that both motors on my 4052 always received the same electrical input, I ran an electrical connection between the engine and tender. This also increased the number of contacts with the track, which allowed the train to run flawlessly even over "dirty" track!

All the best,
Richard

see attachment
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