Remotoring a Hornby Q6
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Entry posted by Silver Sidelines
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With all the rain outside putting a stop to gardening I have been grounded and have used the opportunity to tackle some longstanding issues. Hornby first released their Q6 models in June 2016. Having being raised in Middlesbrough I had to take delivery of two versions, an Early Emblem and one with a Late Crest. They were tested and given a run around the layout before being stored away to make room for some BR (WR) trains.
Q6 63443 Hornby R3425
February 2018 and Hornby released a further Early Emblem version. I dug out my two original models and ran all three together. It soon became obvious that one of the first models, number 63443, was a much slower runner. On handling the model I was shocked to realise just how hot the bodyshell had become around the motor. With further running I could well imagine melting the smokebox.
Some research showed a problem with Hornby motors of a similar vintage. My engine was too old to return for a refund. I would buy a new motor (X7148), but where from? I couldn’t find one with any of the usual suspects; Peter’s Spares, AC Models or Lendons. Hornby promised me a replacement at the beginning of May 2018.
63443 was relatively expensive. I think I paid around £117 at one of the big discounters, a lot of money to have sleeping in a box.
I would contact Hornby again in September 2018 and in January 2019. Most recently in September 2019 I was told rather brusquely that Hornby did not have spares for the Q6 and I should look at ‘aftermarket suppliers’ on eBay. I messaged Peter’s Spares asking if they had any similar motors that might fit the Q6 and they trotted out Hornby’s message about being no spares for the Q6.
Original Hornby Motor X7148 with short output shaft
Stuffed comes to mind. The Q6 motor is a ‘long’ motor the same as used in the Castle. I contacted ‘Jack’ (jacclar_0) an aftermarket supplier on eBay. He confirmed that the Castle type motor would fit the Q6. I would buy a ‘Hornby style 5 Pole motor - X6152 X6481 X9979 X6898 X6545 X7041 - no worm gear’. The lack of any gear or flywheel is a benefit as it means that there is no unsuitable worm or flywheel to remove from the new motor. The new motor would however need one of the output shafts shortened and the brass flywheel would have to be transferred from the original motor. Quote ‘Jack’ “as long as there is no plastic drive connections on the brass flywheel they can be heated over a gas stove quickly and then pulled off relatively easily compared to when cold. The holes in the brass tend to be 1.98mm and the actual shaft 2mm, so Hornby knowingly make them hard to remove, or good build quality if you chose to look at it that way.”
Expo and G & W gear / worm pullers
I have form when it comes to gear pullers. I wrecked a brand new Expo puller trying to remove a Bachmann worm only to be told that it was only really suitable for use with plastic worms! I would try a G & W puller on the Q6 flywheel. Sadly even with gentle warming it was still ‘no go’.
Aga hot plate
We don’t have a gas supply but we do have an Aga. I decided that the motor had effectively expired and that it was time to use a more brutal technique. I would stand the motor with the brass flywheel on the Aga hotplate. I left it until it started smoking and then prised the flywheel off with the back of a screw driver. Whilst the flywheel was still hot I slid the new motor shaft into place assisted with a few light taps from a hammer. I then used a minidisc to shorten the output shaft to the same length as on the X7148 motor. Hey presto – a replacement X7148 motor.
Replacement motor for Hornby R3425 chassis after shortening shaft
I should have perhaps said that the Q6 motor is coupled to its worm drive with a plastic universal joint which is a sliding fit into the brass flywheel. The worm itself is held in position with a plastic clip on cover. It all comes apart quickly and easily. Reassembly being the opposite of disassembly is equally straightforward.
Replacement motor for Hornby R3425 chassis showing brass flywheel, black plastic universal joint and brass worm peeping through a black plastic clip on cover
A good evening’s work. There is a YouTube video with clips of the Q6 back in service.
Growing up in the north east of England in the 1950s and 60s I have fond memories of Q6s. They were used a lot for coal and coke traffic, and on Teesside to haul steel products, sometimes as far afield as to York. They are still one of my favourite steam locomotives.
Q6 63443 Hornby R3425)
Postscript
Out of interest I dismantled my defunct X7148 motor.
Original Motor - X7148 no more than four hours' use - out of Hornby R3425 (63443)
There is quite a splendid multi-groove visible in the commutator. The brushes don't appear particularly worn as might be expected for a motor which has barely seen three or four hours' use. Answers on a Post Card please!
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