[Truthman]

Does anyone know about the Aristo (ART29351) replacement motor blocks with sideframes? Are these the newer motor/ball bearing system they use today? What type of motor is used in them? I want to try to scratchbuilt something and will start with these, but I just wanted a bit more info.

Nate

 

[altterrain]

Yes, they are the new ball bearing blocks. Not sure on the motor type but its pretty strong. I have one in the bottom of my bashed boxcab and it will easily pull 10 cars on fairly level track -

-Brian

 

[Stan Cedarleaf]

Nate, the new Aristo motor blocks work right nicely for a number of bashing applications as do the USA 44 tonner, NW-2 and the GP/F series.

I've used a number of the large Hartland motor blocks as well.

 

[TonyWalsham]

In my humble opinion the AC 2 axle motor blocks are the best available. Very smooth running. They have a 3 point suspenson for semi equalisation.

 

[Dan Pierce]

Price wise, the USA 20 tonner block retails for $30 and has sliders. Wire connections are on one end and are like the LGB motor blocks. Outer leads are for the motor, and inner leads are for track power.

I glued one to a modified RC towmater truck and added solder bar weights for bumpers and this little truck pulls 5 cars with ease.

http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/danpierce/towmater/IMG_1026.JPG

http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/danpierce/towmater/IMG_1027.JPG

 

[Truthman]

Do the USA blocks come with sideframes? One of the reasons I wanted the Aristo blocks is that they come with the sideframes I want to use.

 

[Guest]

the Aristo blocks are the newest version and have adaptor cables to mate to SOME of the older locos. THe really old ones will require some wire splicing.

http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips9/trolly_tips.html

 

[Dan Pierce]

the USA block does not come with the side frames. Also, the axle protrudes out through a side frame on the 20 tonner version.
I just left them in place, but they could have been cut off.

PS, I run at shows and the Towmater gets a lot of attention from people of all ages. Yesteday I finally added the single headlight with an LED.