N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Tom_D on April 18, 2013, 07:15:37 PM

Title: Which armature do I need?
Post by: Tom_D on April 18, 2013, 07:15:37 PM
Hi There, I've recently found my n gauge collection in the loft yesterday which had been missing for a good 15 years!, I've been keen to get back into the hobby after going to the Erith exibition earlier this year :)

Most of my trains are working except one and I have a feeling never did run, I'm thinking I need a new armature but wanted to confirm the type before purchasing as I am bit a clueless with this at the moment; pics are below, also are there any shops in the Essex area?

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h174/TDRAPER7/photo3_zpse0f820fe.jpg)

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h174/TDRAPER7/photo4_zpsd4758f12.jpg)

Many thanks

Tom.
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: Tom_D on April 18, 2013, 07:21:06 PM
and a pic of what else I have :)

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h174/TDRAPER7/photo5_zps3ef045ae.jpg)
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: EtchedPixels on April 18, 2013, 07:24:40 PM
Type one armature for the 08 - same as all the kettles. Mind you at £14.15 maybe a modern 08 is a better choice - the new model is the right shape, has outside frames and runs nicely, while the original is usually pretty dire as well as being bogus in every dimension

Alan
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: Newportnobby on April 18, 2013, 09:52:07 PM
Quote from: EtchedPixels on April 18, 2013, 07:24:40 PM
Type one armature for the 08 - same as all the kettles. Mind you at £14.15 maybe a modern 08 is a better choice - the new model is the right shape, has outside frames and runs nicely, while the original is usually pretty dire as well as being bogus in every dimension

Alan

Come on, Alan, don't sit on the fence ;D
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: AndyGif on April 18, 2013, 10:16:44 PM
Quote from: EtchedPixels on April 18, 2013, 07:24:40 PM
Type one armature for the 08 - same as all the kettles. Mind you at £14.15 maybe a modern 08 is a better choice - the new model is the right shape, has outside frames and runs nicely, while the original is usually pretty dire as well as being bogus in every dimension

Alan

new ones draws only about 30 to 40 milliamps, as compared to the 200+ milliamps for the old style ones.
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: Dr Al on April 18, 2013, 11:51:31 PM
Quote from: AndyGif on April 18, 2013, 10:16:44 PM
new ones draws only about 30 to 40 milliamps, as compared to the 200+ milliamps for the old style ones.

New can motors do. The BachFarish version of the Poole style armature will draw more - I've never seen one draw less than 70-80mA, and that's good one after comm skimming.

The old 3 pole ones can draw a lot less than 200mA - a good 'un will be around 150mA. The one thing I'd say is that the loco shown by the OP has one of the original silver magnets - these seem to weaken a lot with time, and can help cause burnouts. I'd strongly recommend replacing it with a new magnet.

Also, the OP's picture of the original armature shows that (cosmetically at least) it looks in good nick. If so, what are the symptoms of the problem - does it not run? Run slow? Noisy?

Often these old armatures run fine with new magnet and clean up. Often too the coils can become desoldered from the comm and they can therefore be repaired fairly simply.

Cheers,
Alan
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: AndyGif on April 19, 2013, 06:18:45 AM
Indeed Dr Al.
By new one i meant the new design of 08 and not a new armature in an old design of 08.
only chipped in as I've just finished building a metered rolling road and had some 08's to hand to test .
Title: Re: Which armature do I need?
Post by: Tom_D on April 19, 2013, 01:50:29 PM
Thank you for the replies, I believe a coil has come off from the comm, I currently have 2 solded on to the comm it seems, should there be a third? it doesn't run at all unfortunately, and thinking back i'm 100% now that from purchase I had no joy with it, I took it apart for the first time yesterday, is there a guide on repair at all? as if there is meant to be a third connection I have no extra coil for that, sorry for being a bit clueless, I don't even know what make of all the trains I have are!