Large Scale Central

Aristocraft BNSF Dash 9 Motor Failure

General Discussion
#1

We have a BNSF Dash 9 that has only been run a few times due to the excessive noise it makes in operation. As a matter of fact, there was so much vibration coming from the front truck that it vibrates the hand rails out of the slots. It has not damaged the gears or gearboxes in any way but I was afraid it would eventually, so I dismantled the front drive. I then removed both motors and found that the front motor had a badly vibrating motor shaft. I removed another motor (for test purposes only) from my BC Rail Dash 9 and installed it in this drive temporarily and everything ran smooth and quiet. I can’t, of course, sacrifice my BC RaIL unit as it is a fantastic runner and the public loves it. However the BNSF, is a favorite due its modern swoosh paint scheme and familiarity. It just hasn’t been run much by kids due to this issue. I am in need of a new motor and can’t afford Ebay’s rediculously high prices for a whole drive. I would like to get this unit operational for public use for our program but we need a motor. We thought maybe someone on this site might have a spare motor or parts locomotive or can fix or know someone who can fix this motor. We definitely do not want to dispose of the locomotive due to negative suggestive feedback that has informed us that parts for these locomotives will never be available again and to just dispose of the locomotive. They are simply too expensive and irreplaceable to loose them to this kind of thinking. There has to be a fix somewhere or somehow. I apologize for the lack of photos but once again, I attempted to upload 3 photos of the unit and motor to this post but once again it failed. Using a smartphone to upload photos does not work any longer so email me for the photos. If you have any ideas on what to do to get this locomotive operational again at a reasonable amount of money so it will be ready for the Christmas season and beyond, we would sure love to hear your ideas.

Appreciate your input and or ideas!

Ken c /o Imagination Station Kids On Track Model Railroad And Train Safety Program, E. Helena, MT

[email protected]

#2

The only thing I can advise is what you are doing, look for someone with a dead loco, or buy a used truck, but these things last a long time.

since the motors are out, is there excessive play in the motor bearings? Very unusual.

The one I saw on ebay was $155 and was from that short run that had stainless steel wheels. Those wheels did not have a great profile, but workable. Gee, if they sell for $150 each then I guess I am a rich man… bought a bunch as Aristo was dying, enough to keep me in parts. Did not want to get into your situation.

At $155 each, you could buy a loco, use a truck, sell the rest for parts… maybe come close to even.

Greg

#3

You could even just leave that motor out, and run with just one motor in the truck. You’d lose 1.5 axles worth of power, but still have an operating loco.

#4

Doesn’t appear to have excessive play in the motor bearing but has a tone of vibration which you can feel when it runs in your hand. As far as leaving a motor out, I think I’d rather just wait until I can obtain what I need. I hope eventually the parts will come along.

#5

Try calling Robbie at RLD hobbies, he might have a spare motor in his parts bin as it does lots of work on those types of models. Cant hurt to give him a call. Mike

#6

Hey Mike,
Hope all is well.
I got RLD’s phone number and I will give them a shout tomorrow and if they are not available because of the holiday then I’ll call em Monday.
Great idea!
Thank you! Again.
You always have fantastic ideas.
Ken

#7

Found this motor on alibaba by CF Electric Motors & Machines. It matches in looks and voltage. Could this be the dash 9 motor. This looks like the company that produced Aristocraft motors. Many matches among their stock.

http://www.cf-motor.com/web/product_detail.php?sid=210

#8

Looks correct but does not have the special brass fittings that are on your motors shafts that engage the gearboxes. Try RLD and Zionsville Train Depot. Either might have what you need or be able to get ahold of Navin, who worked for Aristocraft and got most of the part after the closure. Hopefully Bachmann will bring back the Dash 9 soon so we can get parts again. Kader(in China)is Bachmann’s parent company/owner and also owns the molds that Aristocraft used. So, in time, we will hopefully see most of that line return.

#9

That is my question. If we can find the motors that Aristo used, we could repair some of this stuff. But who made the motors? You just might be onto something there.

#10

Are these motors the same ones as in the Sd-45 trucks ? If so I have have a couple. I bought a set of the 45 trucks when they first came out just for the gear boxes so I have no use for the motors. I can post a photo is that helps.

#11

Gary Buchanan, FOG, DRS, DSS, DCS said:

Are these motors the same ones as in the Sd-45 trucks ? If so I have have a couple. I bought a set of the 45 trucks when they first came out just for the gear boxes so I have no use for the motors. I can post a photo is that helps.

Yes Gary all the six wheel trucks are same motors. I guess i better add with the brass hex on the ends.

Richard

#12

These original motors had the destine to fail plastic hex fittings on them and they were discarded early on so if the ones on the bad motor aren’t removable then they won’t work for you.

#13

Here is Ken’s offending motor from the Dash 9

#14

Gary, (Sent you a PM)
I think Barry Olsen can change out that hex end since he has the equipment. The photo Mike posted for me shows the exact motor with the issue. I believe the end piece is just pressed on and there are splines in the shafts.
If you can part with one I am willing to give it a try.
Let me know what you would like to do.
Thanks, Ken

Mike, Thanks so much for posting the photo.
Ken

#15

I found your motor, who manufactured it: Nichibo

Look at the 8th line down.

You can find a very close motor on their site, your motor is a 12v LD5FN, I found the single ended shaft L5FN, I’ll bet the “D” is double ended…

http://www.nichibo-motor.us/product/index/1

In any case, you now have the electrical characteristics, speed, current, efficiency, watts (which should be power)… use the 12v graph.

Greg

#16

Thanks Greg,
I’ll make sure and check it out.
I wonder if there is a connection between these companies because of the same look and characteristics.
Gary has 2 Sd45 motors he wants to send if I can get the hex end replaced with the brass hex which Barry will attempt with his knowledge and tools.
I believe we’ll get there.
I’ll let you know on both.
Thanks for finding that! I saved it.
Ken

#17

Why would you have to remove or replace any Hex end ? The SD-45, E-8, and Dash-9 all are the same motors with the same hex heads ! If you can’t get it fixed send it to me and I will fix it !

#18

Read Gary’s post Rex, Gary has motors with the old plastic hex ends… earlier style motors…

Greg

#19

I missed that part, all my motors are the brass !

#20

Rex,
As Greg mentioned, the older motors aparantly had had plastic hex ends which I have never seen.
I will However definitely keep you in mind if this idea doesn’t pan out. Just hope the specs are the same on the older motors since they will have to run with the newer ones.
Do appreciate the offer.
Keep you informed.
Ken