American Flyer 429 Switcher Brush Question

@TrainMan777 posted:

I recent acquired a prewar AF 429 switcher that started out running okay but has gradually gotten worse. I believe based on the symptoms I'm seeing it needs new brushes. From searches online I haven't found many places that list prewar American Flyer brushes.  <snip>

Suggest that you also contact Portlines Hobbies which is a prime source for Gilbert American Flyer parts, including many for AF prewar trains. Although designed in Chicago by the AFMCo., the 429 (431 loco-tender combination) was manufactured and marketed as a Gilbert piece from 1938 through 1940.

Hope this helps.

Bob

Thanks for the info Bob and Nation Wide Lines!

To confirm the S gauge brushes should be compatible with the O gauge motor?

If you have to trim a brush what do you end up having to use? Since they are made of carbon I would imagine they could be brittle.

The brushes are a bit brittle.  My suggestion is to insert a new brush into the tube and then insert the new spring in and compress it.  See how tight it is, as I have put in new springs and brushes without trimming and have had the armatures not be able to turn because of the pressure caused by the compression of the longer brush and longer spring.  I typically trim the end that goes against the springs, that way you get a nice smooth surface against the commutator. 

I believe they are likely the same brushes as used with S gauge, but since I don't have any S gauge, I cannot confirm.

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

<snip>

I believe they are likely the same brushes as used with S gauge, but since I don't have any S gauge, I cannot confirm.

I believe that the postwar S gauge brushes may not be a direct drop in for a 429. It looks like the older style prewar AF brush style for spur gear motors might be required. Posted here is an image I "borrowed" from a post that Dennis Holler made in 2017 for the brush side motor assembly of a 429 (I own a very nice 431 from 1940, but I do not wish to disassemble it. It is too nice. ).

See: https://ogrforum.com/...6-0-switcher-rebuild

Hope this helps. Respectfully,

Bob

Gotcha thanks again for the info! I completely understand Bob The behavior I was seeing was when I applied voltage the motor would try to move a little and then stop. I would then give it a little push and it would take off. It then started getting worse to the point where it wouldn't want to run (I've since gotten it to run a little but its erratic).  I have checked all the items I can without disassembly ( cleaned the commutator with alcohol and verified that the armature isn't open) so its just the brushes that are left. When I did get it to run again I noticed one of the brushes was sparking more than the other. Potentially the brushes could just be dirty.

@TrainMan777 posted:

When I did get it to run again I noticed one of the brushes was sparking more than the other. Potentially the brushes could just be dirty.

I would suggest replacing the brushes and springs, as the original brushes generally are not carbon brushes and I typically find that the springs do not have much compression left after 80-90 years.