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Can you share the source of these?  FWIW, I already figured out it was the RD-370, but not the exact model.  I'd like to pick up the motor and the worm, I'll have to figure something to do the adapter plate, I don't have the fancy metal working that you obviously do.

I looked at that exact model, it seems a bit slow unless you're running it at a pretty high voltage.  Have you actually run this engine with the motor mounted?

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Can you share the source of these?  FWIW, I already figured out it was the RD-370, but not the exact model.  I'd like to pick up the motor and the worm, I'll have to figure something to do the adapter plate, I don't have the fancy metal working that you obviously do.

I looked at that exact model, it seems a bit slow unless you're running it at a pretty high voltage.  Have you actually run this engine with the motor mounted?

I’m guessing our new found friend is from overseas,….if he’s willing to share his motor swap plate in a drawing, I can surely duplicate it over here ……still curious how he installs the gear on the motor shaft,…..ain’t like those Mabuchis shafts are exactly strong,…..they’ll bow in a heartbeat,…..

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

I’m guessing our new found friend is from overseas,….if he’s willing to share his motor swap plate in a drawing, I can surely duplicate it over here ……still curious how he installs the gear on the motor shaft,…..ain’t like those Mabuchis shafts are exactly strong,…..they’ll bow in a heartbeat,…..

Well, it's not a steel gear, so maybe it have a bit more "give" than the steel gears we're used to seeing on these.  I ordered a couple of the gears and motors, I hope I can figure out the plate design to be able to mount them.

Hello everyone.

I have a very general question concerning the Hogwart's set.

From the discussion concerning the motor swap I gathered that this is for the "Series 1" set.    Is this true? 

Also does the set that Lionel sells today still use the same motor or has it been upgraded for better performance? 

I'm considering on purchasing a set for a youngster this Christmas for a family that isn't train or mechanically inclined.   I'm trying to avoid issues before they find their way back to me to resolve.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

@John A posted:

I agree with Isaac- that Harry Potter set will probably last several years pulling 3 or 4 cars . If you eventually have to replace the motor no big deal. I would buy it- make the boy happy!

JohnA

Allegheny, if you use the train with the 3 coaches in the set, the original motor will be OK and enough strong. No problem.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your advise as I really wanted to get this set for him.

I'll consider the motor replacement.

The issue is I just don't have that kind of free time until I put an end to all of my charitable activities as I'm still working fulltime.   

If the upgrade were a simple drop in - no problem, but it seems you need to build an appropriate shim.  Not sure if a metal one is really needed vs. a plastic one which can be made a lot simpler.

The removal of the worm gear and its replacement - isn't clear to me.  Is it pressed on and can it be removed from one motor to the next without breakage and bending issues of the motor shaft and worm gear?   

Last edited by Allegheny

The motor and worm gear are both purchased separately, you don't use anything from the original motor.  The worm is just pressed on, that could be a challenge if you don't have the proper tools.  The shim is the sticking point I suspect.

While the gear is technically an interference fit, its less than .001 smaller than the motor shaft assuming is an actual 2mm. A bit of heat and the gear should just slide on.

Good to know about those 370 Mabuchis. Likely ideal for this project not only for overall size but small shaft diameter given how small the gear is.

Pete

I have the Polar Express with all those attributes you name, now I'm working on the Hogwart's locomotive.

The PE comes in a Series II version that's the same size, but has a full size motor.  Mine pulls eight (and probably more) cars easily.  I upgraded it to cruise, RS5, fan driven smoke, a Super-Chuffer, and LED lighting all around, including class lights, cab light, tender markers and reverse light. So, for the right price, (you don't want to know), you can have the PE with all the stuff you mention.  

Well I will need to know as you are working on my Daughters P.E. loco.

Judging by your comment, I better brace for impact!

It's fun reading this thread, can't wait to see the final solution on the Hogwarts Loco. I have a P.E. set from 2007 and the Berkshire (upgraded ERR TMCC) was fine with the set of passenger cars that it came with it, but I added a few more coaches, and now I have 8 coaches plus a Candy Cane flat car. The original Berkshire that came with the set was struggling pulling the whole consist of 9 rail cars. Then I upgraded all the P.E. passenger cars to LED anti flicker lights and added 2 ounces of weight to each coach so they would ride more realistically. Well that did it, the original P.E. Berkshire would come to a crawl with any size grade, and it would slow down significantly in the turns. I was considering a motor upgrade, but the poor old Berkshire was showing it's age so I cheated. In 2019 the LionChief Plus 2.0 P.E. Berkshire was introduced, so I bought one. The LionChief Plus 2.0 pulls my full P.E. consist and everything else I put behind it and maintains speed even up hill, so far! I haven't lifted the body off of the LionChief Berkshire, haven't had the need, but if anybody wants to know what motor it has in it let me know and I'll pop the top off. I tried to look it up in the Lionel support page and they only list one part, and it's not the motor.

Scott

In 2019 the LionChief Plus 2.0 P.E. Berkshire was introduced, so I bought one. The LionChief Plus 2.0 pulls my full P.E. consist and everything else I put behind it and maintains speed even up hill, so far! I haven't lifted the body off of the LionChief Berkshire, haven't had the need, but if anybody wants to know what motor it has in it let me know and I'll pop the top off. I tried to look it up in the Lionel support page and they only list one part, and it's not the motor.

I'm virtually 100% certain that all the later set PE models have the Series II larger motor.

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