What is a CAN

[rab]

Well I've tried using the Search option

and can't find anything relevant so

apologies if I'm covering old ground.

 

I've just been looking at a listing on Ebay,

and in the description it states the model

has an early can motor.

The way it is worded makes it sound as though

this is/might be a disadvantage.

 

What problems are there with can motors,

and what alternatives should I look for.

Edited November 5, 2017 by rab

[Spitfire2865]

A CAN motor is a motor completely enclosed in a casing, as opposed to an open frame motor.  Usually, CAN motors are better in the long run due to it being sealed from dirt, grease, grime, etc.  

Though I cant say anything about the reliability of the motor in the item you are looking at.  

[royaloak]

Can motors are normally sealed and maintenance free, that does mean that when the brushes have worn out the motor is effectively scrap, on the other hand they do tend to be quite cheap to replace.

[DCB]

Can motors are usually mentioned in reference to Hornby models which were available with either can or X04 motors. The Cans are fully enclosed and don't usually have replaceable brushes.  They appeared in Hornby /Scalextric cars in the 70s or 80s in place of the X04 type and gradually worked their way into some cheaper Hornby locos like the Thomas Range Percy, Smokey Joe etc before the type 7 became popular.  They rev higher than the X04 lack torque and clip into place rather than secure with a screw. Shaft sizes are smaller and they use plastic gears. I avoid them and replace them with computer CD drive motors which are much lower revving.  I always make sure I have a spare when fitting one and recently have been using 0.5 amp Polyswitches as onboard overload protection

[kevinlms]

Well I've tried using the Search option

and can't find anything relevant so

apologies if I'm covering old ground.

 

I've just been looking at a listing on Ebay,

and in the description it states the model

has an early can motor.

The way it is worded makes it sound as though

this is/might be a disadvantage.

 

What problems are there with can motors,

and what alternatives should I look for.

Their are basically 3 types of small motor.

 

1/ is an open frame motor. The Hornby X04 is the classic example of such a motor, but many others produced them. Generally drive the centre axle of a 6 wheeled loco.

 

2/ Is a Ringfield motor. Very common on models from the 1970s to about 2000. They were very commonly used on model diesels such as Lima or Hornby, typically driving one bogie. Many tender drives had them too.

 

3/ A can motor is obvious once you see the shape of it, it looks like an old rubbish bin, but they are usually far from rubbish. Commonly used as a central motor in modern diesel models and driving the loco (not the tender) on modern steam locos.

 

If you have to choose between the type of motor, almost certainly the 'can motor' is the best.

[rab]

Their are basically 3 types of small motor.

 

1/ is an open frame motor. The Hornby X04 is the classic example of such a motor, but many others produced them. Generally drive the centre axle of a 6 wheeled loco.

 

2/ Is a Ringfield motor. Very common on models from the 1970s to about 2000. They were very commonly used on model diesels such as Lima or Hornby, typically driving one bogie. Many tender drives had them too.

 

3/ A can motor is obvious once you see the shape of it, it looks like an old rubbish bin, but they are usually far from rubbish. Commonly used as a central motor in modern diesel models and driving the loco (not the tender) on modern steam locos.

 

If you have to choose between the type of motor, almost certainly the 'can motor' is the best.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

At least I know what to look for now.