Geared Motors

[rpbidgood]

Hi,
    If you haven't visited this site, you might find it a useful source for electric motors. I myself have bought a couple of these that I hope will eventually find their home in a "Lulonga". The motors are rated at 400 rpm on 16V, but turn at 160ish on 7.2 V - I will probably go for 12V since this is the max. voltage my speed controllers will take, and this will give an extra reserve of power when the red mist descends . Even on 7.2V the torque provided is very impressive, and the no load current draw is very low <0.2A, climbing to ~ 0.4-0.5A when I applied a load with thumb and forefinger. The motor is also very smooth and quiet. I have included a few pictures to illustrate the comparative size alongside a 540 buggy motor, and also to show the gearbox - the final, output gear is metal and helical (a nice touch). And the price? - £3!

http://www.sciencestore.co.uk/StoreMotorsGears.asp

 And also, despite what the shop description claims, the motors I bought had no pinions on the shaft, which would have been an added nuisance to remove.
Hope you find this useful,
                                   Keith.

[Eddy Matthews]

A nice find Keith, thanks for letting us know about it...

Regards
Eddy

[andy]

Ok, but I edit dislike intensely these noisy paddle models, driven by electrical motors and gears. A paddle wheel needs torque and not rpm´s, so a steam engine always was the right mechanism to drive it.

Andreas

Sorry, Andreas but I had to change one word to more appropriate language, please do not take this as a rebuke.  Jim

[rpbidgood]

Hi Andreas,
                As the proud owner of 2 live steam models, a 3.5inch gauge Pacific and a similar sized Fowler Traction Engine, I could wax lyrical about the beauties of steam power. I spent many happy hours as a youngster running the locos on our local track, "Derwen Fawr" in Swansea, with my Grandfather who built both the models mentioned earlier, amongst a number of others. One day, when I win the lottery, I might invest in one of these beautiful machines, it would however have to be coal fired, producing steam with bottled gas must surely be an anathema to real, steam enthusiasts! 
Best wishes,
                 Keith.

[andygh]

Edit "dislike intensely" (the edited word has been changed to protect the innocent)  is a little strong surely? It takes all sorts after all

Nice motors by the way, I can't remember where I got mine from but they're exactly the same

Sorry Andy to have to change the word above, it may have used it inappropriately as it is not his first language.  Jim

[andy]

No problem!

Andy

[bogstandard]

I must put my two new pence worth in here to try to level the playing field slightly.

IMHO almost everyone on here would like to have their models steam powered, whether it be burning rags, spirit, gas or coal.

But unfortunatley not everyone has the resources or finances to carry out such a build, and as such have elected to go for electric power, and shouldn't be penalised or shouted down for going in that direction.

With regards to suitability, an electric installation will usually give a much more controllable and just as quiet an installation as steam.

These points have all been raised because I have been there and got both t-shirt and baseball cap, having done a multitude of steam and electric installations.

Everyone should be left alone with regards to choice, and encouraged to carry on with what they are doing, no matter what type of installation they are going to fit.

John

[andy]

Yes, you are right. For example I own annother paddler model with electrical drive, but as I told, the steam engine I think to be better for the other one.


Andy