Life-Span of New Hornby Locos

[GreenDiesel]

I recently received a new Hornby Railroad series 3F Jinty in S&DJR blue.

 

The new loco runs very well and looks great. But I was reading in the instructions that the life-span of the loco's motor was [only] 100 hours. After approx. 100 hours, the motor will need to be replaced.

 

This really isn't very long. If you really like the loco and are very active with this hobby, you could burn out the motor in just a few years. Compare that with so many Triang and Dublo locos which have lasted 50 or more years with little servicing.

 

Will the motors of all or most recently-made locos have a similar, short life-span? I guess it's not a big deal as long as the replacement motors aren't too expensive. But it also shows a change in "attitude" -- in the past things were built to last whereas today, they burn out quickly, you through the part away & replace it.

 

Rob

[Dagworth]

The weak point is that the brushes on the motors are not replaceable.

 

Andi

 

 

[GreenDiesel]

The weak point is that the brushes on the motors are not replaceable.

 

Andi

 

Thanks, Andi. Yes I remember hearing that now. Cheers, Rob

['CHARD]

The weak point is that the brushes on the motors are not replaceable.

 

Andi

...you just know I'll be getting my coat at the end of this contribution...

 

Perhaps Hornby should look at making a type 2 in respect of brushes.

 

Oh, it did. And the lifespan of a Hornby Brush Type 2 - roughly six months at the last count.

 

 

 

I'll get me coat.

[Barry Ten]

I recently received a new Hornby Railroad series 3F Jinty in S&DJR blue.

 

The new loco runs very well and looks great. But I was reading in the instructions that the life-span of the loco's motor was [only] 100 hours. After approx. 100 hours, the motor will need to be replaced.

 

 

I suspect they're playing safe with that 100 hours thing. The Merchant Navies will be 10 next year, and I wonder how many have had motor failure yet? Mine is certainly still going strong (although how many hours of use I've racked up, I don't know).

[Bernard Lamb]

I suspect they're playing safe with that 100 hours thing. The Merchant Navies will be 10 next year, and I wonder how many have had motor failure yet? Mine is certainly still going strong (although how many hours of use I've racked up, I don't know).

 

 

I think that you are refering to a different type of motor. The type, as mentiond by Dagworth, with non replaceable brushes is the type that has a limited life. The Pug has a sinmilar comment on the instruction sheet. Havn't seen this comment in the blurb with the more modern locos.

Bernard

[Barry Ten]

I think that you are refering to a different type of motor. The type, as mentiond by Dagworth, with non replaceable brushes is the type that has a limited life. The Pug has a sinmilar comment on the instruction sheet. Havn't seen this comment in the blurb with the more modern locos.

Bernard

 

Ah, right. I remember seeing it in relation to the motor in the long Prairie (I think) and assumed it was typical of the range.

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

It's a very pessimistic life estimate. I have a J94 with the type 7 motor that Hornby advise has this short life, bought s/h with the plating already well worn through on the tyres, and it has put in six years, running pretty much every day on yard and trip duties. Now it doesn't get 'belted' around, but even so it has accrued running time well past the 100 hours mark in my hands (it does a 4 minute trip working virtually every operating session) and no signs of any distress yet, still quiet and reliable down to very low speeds.

[Glorious NSE]

But it also shows a change in "attitude" -- in the past things were built to last whereas today, they burn out quickly, you through the part away & replace it.

 

Given that these started being fitted in the 1980s i'm not sure it does actually say much about today's attitudes.

[mossdp]

The Mabuchi motors used in the Hornby Jinties and similar models cost less to replace than a pair of brushes for a older X03 motor Hornby previously used before the mid 1980s. The very small number of people who would need to or have the inclination to replace the brushes in this standard design relative to the millions sold in all sorts of different products mean that the costs of making the brushes replaceable would probably not be justifiable. I think the motor is one of these or a very similar configuration http://www.mabuchi-motor.co.jp/cgi-bin/catalog/e_catalog.cgi?CAT_ID=sh_030sa among the very many different versions available

[Barry Ten]

I think the only responsible thing to do is buy far more locos than we actually need, so as to spread the burden across as many motors as possible. Oh hang on, I do that anyway...

[Il Grifone]

The only reason the X03/4 brushes cost more than a complete new motor is that these are now collector's items. It is also true that these motors cost a lot (over twice) more in real terms than the modern version. However in terms of life time and value for money?

[Sam Moss]

I found that some of Hornby's newer loco's vary alot between each other, some last a couple of years, other alot longer. Most of my stuff gets a right good thrashing, our club layout is 16ft long and about 12 ft wide with 4 mainlines, alot of our stock gets more running in a year than most does in its lifetime. With careful maintenance and bodging they can be made to perform for years. I currently have a loco drive clan line, about 5 years old, heavilt weather and will glide along with 12 mk1's on the back and thats up inclines too.

[OldSutt]

I was interested in the comments of the Hornby motor 100 hour life. Given that the majority of my old Hornby are still alive, my only worry is that the manufacturer does not supply sufficient replacement motors for these new models. In my experience it is near impossible to find a replacement motor for Bachmann models, so are Hornby going down the same path? Planned obsolescence!

[Glorious NSE]

Not planned obsolescence - the motors in question are available as spares, they are a common motor across much of the "budget" end of the range and are designed to be easy to change out...

[RedgateModels]

The only reason the X03/4 brushes cost more than a complete new motor is that these are now collector's items. It is also true that these motors cost a lot (over twice) more in real terms than the modern version. However in terms of life time and value for money?

 

 

of course there are some of us (well me anyway) who can refurb a pair of carbon brushes for an X03/04/Early Motor Bogie for ??2.50 plus postage (a first class stamp)

 

 

 

 

 

[JZ]

In my experience it is near impossible to find a replacement motor for Bachmann models, so are Hornby going down the same path? Planned obsolescence!

 

My son's Voyager motor expired a few weeks ago. Phoned Bachmann and had the replacement, complete with flywheels for ??15 within a couple of days. Recorded delivery too.

[GreenDiesel]

My son's Voyager motor expired a few weeks ago. Phoned Bachmann and had the replacement, complete with flywheels for ??15 within a couple of days. Recorded delivery too.

 

OK, this sounds good -- as long as they stock the parts, aren't too expensive & quickly sent!

 

Thanks, Rob

[The Fatadder]

There's always the option of actually taking the opportunity after the original motor has died to fit a decent motor instead. there are sizes available from Mashima, Cannon etc that are a direct swap once you transfer the flywheels.

[craigwelsh]

There's always the option of actually taking the opportunity after the original motor has died to fit a decent motor instead. there are sizes available from Machimema (or however its spelt) Cannon etc that are a direct swap once you transfer the flywheels.

 

Mashima and yes i'd agree its worth swapping out the 3-pole Bachmann for a nice 5-pole motor if you opportunity exists, wouldn't be much price difference either.