While it might be understandable that a self-propelled handcar would have a smaller can motor, I don't understand the use of these smaller motors in locomotives that will be pulling a load on them. I've stayed away from the newer locomotives that use these smaller motors like the Dockside and the 0-8-0 starter set steam engines because I have heard too many stories of these motors prematurely failing. Even the first motor used in the Polar Express locomotive was too small and was eventually changed by Lionel to a larger motor.
I haven't had nearly the problems with the standard round Mabuchi motor that has been used in so many starter type Lionel (K-Line and RMT) locomotives since the late 1980's. Of all the engines I've had, I've only had 3 motors fail, but because it is such a standard part, I've had no trouble getting a replacement. I personally recommend folks go with a slight older pre-Lion Chief starter set, just for reliability and availability of parts.
To Lionel's credit, what I think they did here was utilize the same truck and frame assembly that will be used for the LionChief Plus version of this engine. The larger LionChief Plus motor probably drops right into the hole. Whereas the smaller starter set motor doesn't. Which is why you see the mounting bracket on the LionChief version here, with the smaller motor. But that doesn't justify putting such a small pair of motors in a locomotive.
I'm not an electrical expert on motor specs, so whether a smaller motor is akin to less quality or pulling power, I can't say. But from what I've read on the forum, it does seem that larger motors do better in train engines. They can fail too, but I don't read as many posts about motor failure with larger DC can motors as I do with these smaller worm gear drive locos.
Whether the loco would perform better with just a single larger vertically mounted motor of the LC+ style, I don't know. But starter sets are the calling card to the future. And while I understand controlling costs, there's a certain point where cost control becomes detrimental. Not to mention - and I noticed it months ago - that the small motors for these Tier 4 engines are not in stock.
Personally, I was disappointed with this Tier 4 locomotive. But that's what happens when you put scale guys in charge of designing a traditional product. And I wouldn't consider this a traditionally sized locomotive. It's over 16-inches long which is more akin to a MTH Imperial type locomotive. If it does run on a 31 inch curve (as the Imperial does) it going to look pretty goofy doing it, as does the MTH Imperial one. MTH did a better job with the proportions of the early Railking Dash-8 and SD90-MAC, both of which were just over 14 inches in length. Also notice that MTH has gone back to the Railking/Rugged Rails versions in their starter sets.
Good luck to you Chuck in trying to resolve this issue in hopefully what will be a satisfactory solution for this young newcomer to the hobby.
