AF 360, motor heating, normal condition?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have a AF 360 that I love to run, but, the motors seem to heat up.
By heat up, I mean too hot to touch after a 20-30 minute operation session.
Now, I know these old style Universal motors produce heat, but is this normal?

It also runs very slowly at first, as she warms up, it does get to a normal speed.
I’m pulling a 364/660/661/662 aluminum cars, so these are HEAVY.

I have considered replacing these with new can motor conversions and DCRUs, I have several AF steamers that I have done this to, (K325, 350, and 312) and I’m happy with the results.
I’ve also converted a 355 switcher, and am very happy with this, as it now runs like a champ!

2

The A.F. 360 should not get that hot! You need to take the brushes out and clean them and clean the surface of the armature and put it back together, way too hot for an older motor. Sometimes the brushes need to be smoothed with a piece of sand paper across the contact surface to remove small pit marks, the brushes are made of lead like in a pencil so there will be dirt that will come offf when cleaning. Also spring tension is important on the old motors to keep the brushes against the armature when turning.

Lee F.