Hi John,

Is this the one?
http://www.maerklin.de/s...1&artikelnummer=3047

First you have to check what type of motor was used. See this page for reference:
http://www.ajckids.com/TRAINS/MAIN.ASP?nr=92

Older types often have a Large Flat Commutator Motor (LFCM), later models have the Drum Commutator Motor (DCM). If the above is the one you got then it's the LFCM.

Both M and ESU have conversion kits for it. But since your locomotive's motor has been removed I recommend using one from M -part 60944- since that one comes with all the parts you need to rebuild a motor.

See this ebay item (not mine) for a nice reference image. I used the keywords "marklin lfcm kit" as search query.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/...:mnd9UcrMTBYXjHjTVj1cs9A

That's the motor part.

For a decoder I would choose a ESU LokPilot 4.0 or a LokSound 4.0 since those combine perfectly with the 5 pole armature based motors out of the conversion kits. A M4 version is the decoder which speaks 'Marklin' the others are DCC. I would go for a LokPilot first because these are much cheaper and the loss won't be so great when you blow one up. :)

Installing is an interesting learning experience. The reversing unit is the simplest because that one isn't needed any more. There is some soldering involved but the instructions included with the ESU kits are clear. Just follow the diagrams and all should be well.

Do remember that M and ESU use a different colour schemes. So make sure you have everything drawn out before picking up the soldering iron.

Hope this helps.

TFK

You mean he custom fitted a ball bearing in the metal part of the engine housing? Is it still there or did he remove the mini ball bearing leaving you with the hole?

It's a nice addition when you can refit the loco with those. It makes the locomotive run better.

This is a page I found on the matter:
http://www.stayathome.ch/kugellager.htm

Conrad has them: https://www.conrad.nl/nl...m-2-mm-25-mm-222012.html

Since you already have a hole drilled in the metal housing, the hardest part of that job has been done for you. It's advisable to measure the hole to make sure the sizes match up.

Edit: I just read on that kugellager page that it was a metal bushing that was pushed out to make room for the ball bearing. So there is a possibility that it was not drilled... If that is the case sourcing a replacement metal bushing could be the best alternative for you. However, I can't find this bushing on the explosion diagram of you loco. So a check would be in order here.

The Märklin set which I previously mentioned has various plastic motor shields. So I think the loco is still repairable.

Edit2: if you have some photo's of the chassis, maybe we can see some more options.

Edit3: When you do visit Holland (your very welcome, don't forget to bring your wooden shoes) also bring the chassis with you. It's much less complicated for the people over there to assess the problem when the can see the chassis. Maybe even test fits are possible.

Cheers!

Thank you both for your replies.

Unfortunately the person who did the modification has since died and we have no way of determining if the modification ever worked. The conversion kit will not go astray as I have a few 3047s awaiting conversion as well as 6 other Marklin locomotives with incomplete conversions that came from the same source.

Best wishes

John

If the drilled hole for the bearing is indeed off-center, it might be possible to salvage the old chassis. Simply press-in a solid brass plug and drill a new hole for the anker at the correct location. Of course, this would require good precision and decent machinist skills/tools...

Before deciding on a course of action, I would suggest that you assess all aspects of the chassis (e.g. gear movement), and if there is any excessive wear elsewhere.

Regards,
PW