Remotoring a Bowser Traction unit

[interurban]

These can be bought with or without power.
I have both on stock waiting for my attention they are now getting it
I have run these around the L/O`s for years, and always wanted to "have a go" at remotoring. Why?? being me I am fickel and never liked the motor That came with them , and once you have serviced them they are beggers to get running good again. They do have a nice new motor out now but it`s a bit of a hassel fixing it in to the old units. You have to order and pay too much.
Soooo here goes.
First picture, shows the parts used.
1 flat sheet of brass $ 6.00 Can.
2 1/8th U channel $1.20 Can each.
1 SW 7 bought at a show seconds for $5.00 Can ( not the one shown that was $ 25.00).

2nd picture shows the motor to be replaced.

3rd picture show`s it done.

Fast or what

 

[interurban]

The five pictures show the fittings after a lot of cutting off the original base unit to alow for the new trucks then the old catchers and step even the means to refit it back into the body.
I used clear silcone to bond my motors in place.

 

[interurban]

Here is the "new car" resting on the new frame.
The windows have been fitted. Btw the windows will insulate the motor from the frame.
Next I have to wire the motor/lights diods ect.

I dont want to bore you with those details as I am sure you are all up to speed on this and I covered it in the last project of which I` will post the link.

For those tractionaly minded
Have fun.

 

[interurban]

http://www.the-gauge.com/showthread.php?t=7224&page=1&pp=15
Hope this gets you to the last thread.
Cheers.

 

[Ray Marinaccio]

Nice job on the repower.
I always thought those Bowser power trucks looked crude and wondered how they ran.

 

[TrainClown]

Well done Chris. I like those engines. Well worth the trouble.

TrainClown

 

[jetrock]

Definitely inspiring! I've got just such an SW-7 sitting around the place...I'm about halfway done turning two halves of old Roundhouse combines into a freight motor body and the SW-7 motor might fit just fine inside of it...hm. I have a hatful of assorted traction body castings knocking about, maybe it's time to finally get them to earn their keep!

 

[interurban]

Thanks guys.
Keep us posted Jetrock, I want to see your combine :thumb:

 

[interurban]

report

I have test run the bowser and after sorting out a insulation problem the Lady runs a lot better.
I will remotor the second bowser differently same process , this time I will try to mount the motor in original frame cutting of one wheel assembly only , I found the sideway mount rather tight, although it still runs well.

Have fun..

 

[Bill Nelson]

Nice to see the old stuff getting an upgrade, I have an old Ken Kidder trolley, I have been considering getting a modern Bowser mechanism for .


I rally want a Bowser Brill unit too, I wish I had taken the time to design trolley tracks into the street plan in Harlow Tn on my logging layout. I worked on it for a while and gave up cause a simple point to point was all I could have done, and it would have taken a whole lot of time and work , and I wanted to get something running asap .


Bill Nelson

 

[b1gy1n]

Dear Interurban,i like what you've done,and i understand why,but personally i like the compactness of the old Bowser unit,was fortunate to get a few in a deal some years ago,cleaned them up,new brushes,and fitted a flywheel,this is the only thing i did,and it makes slow running much better,especially on the Steeplecab's,regards BIGYIN