Mehano RSD-15 Part Request

[Mark5]

Back in the 70s, the 5 pole in the Mehano locos was the one of the best motors in terms of operation.

I had C420s, GP40s, and SD45s as well back then. Still have a parts bin (though I'm not sure why lol).

[Doug G.]

Working on Mehanos was one of my first, in earnest, efforts too. I turned the flanges down on all the Atlas ones I bought in the late sixties/early seventies because the really deep ones were hanging up in switches (yes, Atlas switches), hitting the bottoms of the frogs. I also worked at them until they were smooth and quiet which really is possible with them.

The main thing is the mesh between the worm and worm gear. It's like a different locomotive once you get it right.

I actually think the speed curve of the Mehano motor, as deficient as it is, is better at very low switching speeds than modern locomotives. The speed remains slow and smooth within a wider throttle range without suddenly speeding up like newer locos.

I have also turned Mehano wheels in a lathe to make them concentric to eliminate wobble. I know some of this seems nuts and I don't really use them on my layout anymore. It's just I like doing stuff like that.

EDIT: Mark, I think you may be alluding to the same thing as me as far as operation. The relatively weak magnetic field resulted in smoother rotation of the armature even if those motors run pretty warm/hot. Oh, I got a kick out of your video too.

Doug

[Doug G.]

Gosh, I guess I could have let you know I sent you a PM, Chris. Anyway, I did.

Doug

[chrismears]

Gosh, I guess I could have let you know I sent you a PM, Chris. Anyway, I did.

Doug

No worries. The chassis is ready to go and I'm off to the post office shortly to get it to you. Hopefully everything you need is in what I've sent you - if not just drop me a line. I've still got a decent pile of Mehano/AHM/Life-Like/Model Power parts for these RSD15's as well as the others from this series (the FA2, GP40, SD45).

Cheers


/chris

[Doug G.]

Thanks to Chris, I now have my RSD-15 back running again after many years and double heading with my other one of the same road name. They look and work great together.

BTW, the pole pieces on the motor in this one have what appears to be nickel plating instead of the usual black, the only Mehano motor I have seen like this.

Doug

[chrismears]

I'm thrilled to read the parts arrived and worked to get your engine working.

It feels terrific to know that something from this collection of parts was useful to help get another engine working.

Cheers


/chris

[Mark5]

Doug, are yours the early 5 pole motors? (as opposed to lousier 3 polers)

[Doug G.]

Yes, the good (hehe) old five pole Mehanos. Double ended for the RSD-15 as both trucks are powered. I have an old MRC RSD-15 high nose and it has traction tires. It is smooth as silk and will outpull anything else I have, including Life-Like E units, I believe.

These SF low nose units have no traction tires (they did but I replaced them with regular wheels to eliminate any wobble) so they don't pull as well but they are more than acceptable and, double headed, they will pull anything I put behind them.

Doug