Delorean1984 Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 Hey guys I've bought a couple of non runner HST and managed to diagnose their faults. One question I've got is how is best to clean the commutator? I've been using a fibreglass pencil for that and seems to do good job but is it right thing to use, should I use something else? Next question is, I have the ringfield motor version with the metal brush retainers that you fold back. Now when reinstalling spring and brush how much of the top of the spring should be visible? I find if I press too hard with no spring showing that the brush stops the motor spinning and if too loose I'm not certain the brush is having a good contact with the commutator. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviesparx Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 I use Isopropyl alcohol ( IPA ) to clean all electrical contacts and the wheels - I see others use lighter fluid, but haven't done a COSHH risk assessment on that myself.... I would think fibreglass pencils would be a bit abrasive, plus they shed fibres. The retainers just need to hold the brushes / springs in position, and not fowl the chassis on curves. And yes, push them in too hard and they will stop the motor from spinning. If you're using new brushes they will take a little wearing in before they make best contact with the commutator. Hope you got your acquisition at a good price - I've noticed this HST set on eBay, currently at over £200... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-Intercity-125-Train-Set-43011/164175454374?hash=item26399ea0a6:g:d0MAAOSwAM5epbVc I must be missing something ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
47164 Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 Meths and a cotton wool bud are another easy option. .... the eBay item, I hope no one gets stung by that offering as it’s no longer 1st April Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Half-full Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 6 hours ago, steviesparx said: I use Isopropyl alcohol ( IPA ) to clean all electrical contacts and the wheels - I see others use lighter fluid, but haven't done a COSHH risk assessment on that myself.... I would think fibreglass pencils would be a bit abrasive, plus they shed fibres. The retainers just need to hold the brushes / springs in position, and not fowl the chassis on curves. And yes, push them in too hard and they will stop the motor from spinning. If you're using new brushes they will take a little wearing in before they make best contact with the commutator. Hope you got your acquisition at a good price - I've noticed this HST set on eBay, currently at over £200... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-Intercity-125-Train-Set-43011/164175454374?hash=item26399ea0a6:g:d0MAAOSwAM5epbVc I must be missing something ? Thats got to be shill bidding, or someone thinks its the latest version and will be very sorely disappointed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted May 1, 2020 Share Posted May 1, 2020 On 30/04/2020 at 15:39, steviesparx said: I use Isopropyl alcohol ( IPA ) to clean all electrical contacts and the wheels - I see others use lighter fluid, but haven't done a COSHH risk assessment on that myself.... I would think fibreglass pencils would be a bit abrasive, plus they shed fibres. The retainers just need to hold the brushes / springs in position, and not fowl the chassis on curves. And yes, push them in too hard and they will stop the motor from spinning. If you're using new brushes they will take a little wearing in before they make best contact with the commutator. Hope you got your acquisition at a good price - I've noticed this HST set on eBay, currently at over £200... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-Intercity-125-Train-Set-43011/164175454374?hash=item26399ea0a6:g:d0MAAOSwAM5epbVc I must be missing something ? The starting price of £15 was about right. The centre car is one of the shorties so utterly worthless (I think there's one in my scrap box) and the other cars aren't worth much... Or there's this one currently at £2.20 (no centre car, but see above): https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-INTERCITY-125-TRAIN-SET-OO-GAUGE/353065296023?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225076%26meid%3De603eff4679443a49fe47a21a8cecd85%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D164175454374%26itm%3D353065296023%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delorean1984 Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 12 hours ago, Il Grifone said: The starting price of £15 was about right. The centre car is one of the shorties so utterly worthless (I think there's one in my scrap box) and the other cars aren't worth much... Or there's this one currently at £2.20 (no centre car, but see above): https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-INTERCITY-125-TRAIN-SET-OO-GAUGE/353065296023?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225076%26meid%3De603eff4679443a49fe47a21a8cecd85%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D164175454374%26itm%3D353065296023%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109 Out of interest I didn't know that Hornby did longer versions of the MK3 coach. I'm in need of some MK3 coaches and didn't know that. Thank you everyone for tips on motors, I've serviced them and got them going. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now