Hi again all! I am installing a new motor and driveshaft on my brass PFM B&O 2-8-0. The old motor was a pittman open frame motor (DC-71) Installed in a slanted position. I dont know if I should install the motor in the same slanted position as the previous motor or install it flat? And If I install it in a slanted position, where do I get a motor mount in order to do this? The new motor is a NWSL 1630 with a flywheel. Thanks.
Since it doesn’t sound as if you’re replacing the gearbox with a reduction gear, I’d just go ahead and mount the new motor on the same slant as the old one. If you mount it with silicone instead of screwing the motor into the frame, you’ll not only isolate the motor from the frame in case you’re running DCC, but you’ll also quiet the motor noise considerably. That’s how I remounted a NWSL motor into my PFM Santa Fe 2-8-0, which has a drive almost identical to the B&O. In addition to the tender lead, you’ll have to run a lead from the motor to the loco frame for pickup, but that’s pretty easy to do.
And don’t toss the old DC-71–instead replace the magnet with the newer Rare Earth types, and you’ll find that you have an open-frame motor that draws VERY little amperage, has improved slow speed control and is very, VERY powerful. I’ve been doing that to my old open-frame Pittman and KTM motors and the difference is absolutely astounding.
Tom