 Joined: 16/02/2002(UTC) Posts: 25 Location: CA
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Hello,
I'm running an old school M-track analog layout. I have a number of locos with the LFCM motor. One in particular does not run well no matter how many times I clean and service it. I've been looking at the 60944 conversion kit, which only replaces the motor (for a reasonable cost). The kit specifies clearly that a decoder is not included. My question is, is a decoder necessary in this application to continue analog AC operation? I see the decoder runs in the $100 range which puts the total cost at more than the worth of the loco. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Brian
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 1 user liked this useful post by Brian McWhirter
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Joined: 02/08/2014(UTC) Posts: 783 Location: NEW JERSEY, USA
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Hello Brian,
I don't know about the decoder but what are the symptoms of the Lok? Maybe we can help find the problem without replacing the motor. That is if you want to keep it analog.
Mikey |
I love the smell of smoke fluid in the morning . |
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 Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC) Posts: 623 Location: Athens
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The 60944 motor is a DC motor and doesn't work with AC.
With the old motors the problems like this are due to rotor failure
A used rotor and or rotor + field magnet usually solve the problem
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1 user liked this useful post by ktsolias
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Joined: 16/02/2002(UTC) Posts: 25 Location: CA
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The locomotive, an E03 002, when run on an inclined test track, will not start as readily as some of the other engines. For instance, when most of them break loose with the first application of power, perhaps between 6-8 volts, the problematic one is a bit more sluggish and won't start until it receives about 9 volts, and then seems to get more sluggish as it warms up. Thoughts?
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 Joined: 25/08/2012(UTC) Posts: 252 Location: South East
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Hello Brian,
I have had similar issues with a 3074 which also had the large flat commutator motor - in fact I think all the motor parts are the same as your loco.
I lost count of how many times I cleaned it out paying particular attention to the commutator, brushes etc. It would need a highish voltage to 'unstick' it in one direction sometimes needing to be run a few inches in the other direction first. It also made a noticeable 'whining' noise.
Eventually I found that the motor shield was not holding the carbon brush properly perpendicular to the face of the commutator causing one edge of the brush to catch in the slots in one direction.
I had a couple of spare shields and fitted one of these to my 3074. The loco starts and runs smoothly now in both directions. The old shield looked fine but one or other of the brass inserts that hold the brushes must have been slightly twisted or maybe too loose.
You could have a close look at the brushes and see if there is uneven wear on the ends. Mine looked as though it had wear on one edge only.
Good luck with it. These old style motors are pretty simple and can usually be got working. It's just not always the first thing you think of that is causing the problem.
Cheers, Paul |
Marklin HO using M track. Now reverted to analogue as I find it has more character and is more fun...... and I understand it! |
1 user liked this useful post by Paul59
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Joined: 25/08/2012(UTC) Posts: 252 Location: South East
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Brian - Another thing that I have just thought of is that your loco could have too much tension on the brush springs.
I have had this as well and it generally makes a loco more sluggish requiring more voltage to move it.
If you have another loco with the same sort of motor try lifting the springs slightly with a toothpick or similar and comparing the tension to the other loco.
I had to bend the springs back a bit on mine and the loco was ok after that.
Paul |
Marklin HO using M track. Now reverted to analogue as I find it has more character and is more fun...... and I understand it! |
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Joined: 10/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 3,894 Location: Michigan, Troy
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Even my DC Hamo Marklin 2 rail br 03 is sluggish on the start. I think it's just the nature of the geartrain, siderods, and motor type. Its' been this way since new in 1994. Changing to a 5 pole armature makes no difference.
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Joined: 16/02/2002(UTC) Posts: 25 Location: CA
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Thanks for the responses, and suggestions! I'm trying to get all my locs running smoothly at about 10v nominal as that seems to be a voltage where the speed is similar between trains, and somewhat prototypical. Maybe it's unrealistic using this ancient technology, but a man can dream!
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1 user liked this useful post by Brian McWhirter
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 Joined: 03/10/2010(UTC) Posts: 1,295 Location: Cape Town, South Africa
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Hello Brian,
One more thing which you can try :
Your LFCM has a 3-pole armature.
Make sure that you clean the little spaces between the 3 conducting plates of the armature.
Take a tooth pick and remove carbon dust which has accumulated between the plates of the armature.
I have found that a build-up of carbon dust between the plates of the armature can be the cause of motors not running well.
Regards
John
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2 users liked this useful post by Johnvr
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