How about a motor class

A motor has a stator, the part that does not turn, and a rotor, the part that turns.  Both the rotor and stator have magnet poles on them.  One or both of these poles are reversed at the appropriate time to cause the rotor to be either attracted or repel causing the rotor to turn.  There are lots of ways this can happen.  In toy train motors there are two common types.  One is the universal series wound motor, which has a electric coil for the stator ( field) and rotor (armature).  This motor type is in all the post war trains and some modern trains.  This motor runs on either AC or DC.  One form oF this motor Lionel called a "Pulmore" motor.  The other motor used in toy trains is the can motor.  It uses permanent magnets for the stator and a wound armature.  This motor only runs on DC power.  These motors are smaller that the universal and can generate a fair amount of torque.

Pro of Pulmore /Universal Motor:

• Can be lubed and serviced on either ends of the armature

Cons:

• needs frequent servicing of approx 60 hrs- lube and brush replacement and armature cleaning
• high noise level- Louder than a can motor

PRO of Can motor :

• Quiet
• takes up less space in the body/shell
• will last hundreds of running hours before needing replacement
• been in used for over a decade and replacements are available

• can't really be serviced- only lubed at either top and/or gear end of armature
• need flywheel on one side of the motor for coasting stops and preventing derailing of train when stopping. Many can motor engines have this feature since 1994.

Open frame/universal motors have greater low end torque but they consume more power (the stator field is generated by electromagnetism instead of a permanent magnet.  It has only three poles and tends to cog at lower speeds.

Permanent magnet/can motors have 5-7 poles so they run smoother at lower speeds.  They consume less electricity as the stator field is fixed.  Because the field is fixed they have poorer low end torque and their "power curve" is fixed.  They are easily adapted for closed loop speed control.

If you want your trains to operate at slow prototypical speeds and pull thru curves while maintaining that slow speed I think can motors are better.  If you prefer your trains zooming around either type is fine.  At least this is my experience.  If anyone can tell me how to get my mpc era diesels to pull even 4 cars slowly and evenly thru curves please share.  I would like to cut their effective gear ratio by 50% if I could. Arlo

hello guys and gals..........

Are the Pittman can motors the best for "O" scale trains ?

the woman who loves the S.F. 5011

Tiffany