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Can a decoder be fitted to a Fleischmann Steeple Cab 0-4-0?


highpeakman

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Some while ago I acquired a Fleischmann Steeple Cab 0-4-0 Electric Shunter (4305) which I intend to use on a industrial private owner feeder line. I am not sure of the model’s age but I think they still make a similar one.

 

This model has a form of "pancake" motor. I note that one polarity of the DC power feed uses spring contacts from the insulated wheels on one side and then connect directly (via an inductor) to one of the motor brushes. The other polarity feed is through the body to the motor. However I cannot work out, without dismantling the motor, quite how the power feeds to the second brush as both brushes appear to be mounted on an insulated bush. The second brush is not insulated from the circular metal motor surround so there is obviously some connection - probably the brush spring touches the body as it contacts the rotor. There is also a capacitor between the two brushes.

 

The point is that I would like to try and fit a DCC decoder to this model if possible. If I could isolate the second brush from the body then it would not be too difficult to fit the decoder but I suspect this will be a major problem - or perhaps not?. Has anybody done this work or have any advice on this type of model please?

 

 

 

Pic added 21:00

 

Don

post-8314-0-33203700-1327438903.jpg

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I'm not an expert on Fleischmann stuff, but it looks like a standard Fleischmann pancake motor. There is a replacement backplate for most of those motors available which isolates the brush gear to enable decoder fitment.

 

A specialist shop may know the part; possibly A&H in Northants might be a good starting place to ask - they are the importers of Lenz and a retailer of Fleischmann stuff, so you should get expertise in DCC and German pancake motors !

 

- Nigel

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Nigel

 

Do you answer all the pleas for help? :no:

 

Once again, Thanks, I really appreciate your input.

 

That is very useful information. I did search before but could not find anything. I will contact the shop you recommend.

 

Don

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Emailed A&H yesterday to ask about this and was advised today that they had a new replacement motor backplate board in stock to fit this loco.

 

This board gives a 6 pin socket to allow a decoder to be fitted. I called A&H and have ordered the part. Received good service and helpful advice from them.

 

A perfect solution so Thanks again to Nigel and also to A&H.

 

Don

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I will be happy to do that Ian.

 

I only ordered the part this morning but I understand it is likely to be posted today. Living in the wilds of Lincolnshire so our post is erratic to say the least. Allow a few days but as soon as it arrives I will photo it and post it here.

 

I will also take a look at a Hornby Tender drive as I also want to fit a decoder to one of those. Because it is a long term project I had not looked at it yet or considered whether it would have the same problem. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Edit: Have had a look at my 2 tender drive locos (an old 9F and an old Black 5) and I guess they are a later edition compared to the Mk1 version you mention as the brush mount on mine are plastic and it looks quite feasible to isolate from the body (or am I oversimplfying?)

 

Cheers

 

Don

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Ian

 

Here is the photo of the Fleischmann motor back plate. I hope it is good enough to give you an indication of whether it could be used to fit the Triang motor.

 

post-8314-0-47165700-1327771114.jpg

 

 

 

If you need more precise measurements then please just ask.

 

I assume there is a readily available plug to suit the decoder socket as I have not come across this type of 6 pin fitting before but it should not be a problem.

 

I followed your thread re the earlier motor and I can sympathise - what a nightmare.

 

Cheers

 

Don

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Re decoder socket - off course it will not be too difficult to solder directly to plate anyway as the pads are big enough and the socket could be removed if necessary.

 

Not sure about the capacitors that are in place on the board - any effect might depend upon the decoder used perhaps. I wonder if they will need removing and links put in across their positions. Have to wait and see I guess.

 

Don

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