I am converting a recent Williams RS3 to be DCC ready. Are the motors isolated from the frame on these trains? If not, is that a very difficult thing to do? Are there any instructions on the easiest way to do this?
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The motor shells/cans are not isolated from the frame - they are all at the same chassis ground potential.
However, the cans are not part of the motor electrically. They just physically hold the field permanent magnets in place. The two tabs/terminals on the motor are what feeds current to the armature.
Thanks Rob. Are all the Williams locos setup this way? Do you know if there are any Williams locos in which the cans are isolated from the frame? I appreciate the help.
I don't know of any DC/permanent magnet motors that have the can isolated from the frame aside from the all-plastic "Beep" type cheapos from the 1980s. The electrics'/diesels' motors are screwed right into the power truck with/through a keyhole adapter plate, the steam similarly with an adapter plate screwed to the chassis.
None of this would preclude DCC installation/operation.
