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Reply to "This is the part I don't like about repairing trains. UPDATED 8/11, Final chapter 8/12"

 

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...

Interesting theory.   I couldn't find an exploded parts photo for the LionChief Plus ES44, I don't think they've been posted yet. 

One of the newest LC+ diesels I could find was a GP7 from 2018, product number 84108.  The motor has restricted availability.  It's a round RS-385 with what looks like an obviously multi-threaded worm.  Probably back-drivable, and consequently a taller (faster) gear ratio too, which is acceptable given the greater torque of the larger motor.

If it's true that Lionel has gone to back-drivable gearing in its LC+ diesels, that's a worthwhile improvement.  Unfortunately it won't help this boy because there's no way a worm with that pitch will match the worm wheel in his truck.  Changing worm wheel is probably a bugger; easier to change the whole truck.  So if and when the LC+ parts become available, you could "repair" it by replacing both trucks, both motors, and probably the electronics board stack.  He would have his grandfather's axe with the head and handle both changed!  

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