Disassembly advice for AF 3113 O gauge prewar electric locomotive

@CArolina Shagger posted:

I have posted previously about this locomotive being part of the Bluebird set.  I have tested the motor and it seems to want to run, although very hesitantly.  I didn't go any further as I am not a prewar AF guy and didn't want to do any harm.  I posted the set for sale on the Forum but have not sold it so will probably put it on that auction site.  But I am sure it would be of more interest if I could state that it ran.  So I am willing to try to service the motor.  How do I get access to the motor?  It appears the body shell is held to the frame by 4 folded tabs.  I can't believe I would have to straighten the tabs to get the shell off as I am thinking the tabs would break.  Is there some trick to drop the motor from the frame leaving the shell on the frame?  It seems to get access to the brushes, commutator, and armature bearings that there must be an easy way as these are high maintenance items.  What am I missing?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Don

Don,

Believe it or not, in order to service the motor, you have to straighten all 4 tabs and you certainly would run the risk of breaking tabs when doing this. 

My suggestion is just to state that it tries to run and let the future owner run the risk of breaking a tab.

There are several things that may cause the engine not to run properly, which include:

1) expanding drive wheels, which are pressing into the frame and binding

2) bad springs/brushes

3) wiring that is starting to lose its insulation

The other thing to consider is what additional work you may have to do, such as replacing the headlight holder, replacing the wheels, etc.  Do you have all of the needed parts to properly service the engine?

NWL

Thank you very much for your prompt reply.

Unfortunately you confirmed my worst fears: that all 4 tabs have to be bent to remove the cab to service the motor.  What a bad idea!  Cheap to assemble but impossible to service.

The wheels appear to still be in pretty decent shape as I can rotate them with my thumb.

But I am going to take your advice and state that it tries to run when I list it.

Thanks again.

Don