I am wondering if anyone has any information about locating parts for an old N scale Arnold/Rapido 0-6-0. The motor brushes are worn out and the poor little train wont run anymore. It would probably be easier to buy a new train but this was my first train and has been making me happy for almost fifteen years. Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thank you, Dave
At this time I don’t know of a source for replacement brushes. However if you can find another engine of the same brand cheap on eBay and rob the brushes from that motor (and hope they’re still good) you might get lucky. I found some old Athearn motors (rubber band drive era) very cheap on eBay. It’s possible other manufacturers used the same motor during that time period.
Keep an eye out for a really old hobby shop that never throw away old stock. They may have replacement parts. I stumbled across one that wasn’t listed in the Yellow Pages and had been around for 30 some years and I never knew it exisited until a few years ago. I drove past it many times and not noticed the small letters that said HOBBY SHOP in a dingy door window.
Another option is to re-motor the loco. Check out N.W.S.L. for motors. They have a listing of motor sizes. Measure the motor you have and see if you can find one that will fit. I don’t know what level of modeling skills you have but it shouldn’t be too difficult or impossible.
Let us know what you think about remotoring.
Good luck!
Just thought about the folks out at Reynauld’s Euro-Imports. I don’t know if they can help but give them a call anyway.
You might get lucky with these guys:
A B Charles & Son
3213 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-561-3068
They’ve been in business since 1945, and might have what you need.