Are there any brushes available to fit the old Mainline/Palitoy split chassis pancake type motors. What is the best way of cleaning brushes? These models have not been run since originally purchased but the brushes appear to be contaminated. On cleaning the motor up, (commutator and brushes) it runs fine for a few minutes then starts slowing down, cleaning again improves it. Would soaking the brushes in meths, say, and then drying out help?
Cheers.
Hornby ringfield brushes fit. Hornby brush spring also fit if they are cut in half as they are too long as supplied.
I gently wipe my the surface of my brushes on toilet roll soaked in meths.
Thanks, I will give that a go, and also try the hornby brushes.
I know one American friend who uses something called 'Buggy Blast' on electric motor brushes together with a Fibreglass Cleaning Stick .
Chris
It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of fight in the dog.
"Gerald H" wrote
The brushes are too long, they will also need to be reduced in length.
Using meths can leave a residual dye on the brushes, which can potentially act as an insulator. Something like dichloromethane (Plastic Weld) is a better option.
John.
It may be that the motor in the Mainline Jubilee is not typical of all Mainline locos, but I just plonked the full size Hornby brushes in with the shortened springs and it runs beautifully so far :)
I also cleaned the very dirty commutator with meths on a cotton bud and so far so good. I can, however, imagine that something without die in it would be a better option.
Gerald,
Isopropyl alcohol is the usual cleaning fluid used for cleaning electrical and electronic equipment. It does the cleaning and leaves no residue. You can usually get it from electronic suppliers like Maplins
Jim.
I think this one might leave a residue, but it tastes a lot better
There's residue and then there's residue :-)
Jim.
In Canada, you can buy 99% isopropyl alcohol off the shelf in any pharmacy, e.g. Walmart, for about $3 (£1.70) a 500ml bottle.
: : In Canada, you can buy 99% isopropyl alcohol off the shelf in any : pharmacy, e.g. Walmart, for about $3 (£1.70) a 500ml bottle. :
Do they also do exports and mail order?... Duh!
Why on earth would you want to sent? Have a chat with your local pharmacist, tell them what you want it for and they will usually have it for you the next day - at least that's my experience in the UK. A way of obtaining it off the shelf is to go into a "pound shop" and get a "Compact Disk or DVD Cleaner" which contains a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.
By the way you may have to ask for propan-2-ol which is the systematic chemical name for isopropyl alcohol.
Alan
Whhhooossshhh - EXACTLY!... Perhaps you missed the "Duh!" after my comment?
John Turner=A0wrote
" Using meths can leave a residual dye on the brushes, which can potentially act as an insulator. =A0Something like dichloromethane (Plastic Weld) is a better option. "
In the days prior to plastic disposable syringes & needles people who had diabetes for example used to store their metal / glass syringes & needles in what used to be called surgical spirit.
Methylated spirit is, as' Jerry' will I am sure be able to confirm ( or otherwise ) from personal experience, is 'Denatured alcohol' i.e. ethanol which has been rendered undrinkable.
Chris
It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of fight in the dog.
wrote
I have some in my bathroom cabinet, but it does have a tendency to leave a slightly oily residue.
Useful for cleaning minor wounds after a serious modelling session though! :-)
John.
Squirt liquid soap into the palm of your hand and work the brush into it until the entire brush is full. Once you have got the remnants of the paint/thinners mixed with the soap rinse under the tap.
Roger
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required