I have an older Polar express engine that just doesn't seem to have that much power.I had heard those electric motor were not that good.Is there a cheap easy way to replace the motor?
Thanks Bryan
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The product number of the engine will help.
The frame is specific to the motor. Unless you're a machinist, I'd say a "cheap" solution isn't an option. I bought a LionMaster PE and swapped out shells. The new LionMaster shells have less details than the originals. I considered that as an affordable solution. I am extremely pleased with the pulling power, and reliability of the LionMaster locomotive.
As said, a series two motor won't fit a PE series 1 frame. More feasible to just locate a used series 2 PE loco as those conventional ones can be found relatively inexpensively
I upgraded a series-II to TMCC, it has the larger motor, it has no issue pulling 18 Menard's coal hoppers. OTOH, the Hogwart's Express locomotive with the smaller set motor struggles to pull six of them!
There is a seller on eBay ( kool_toyz_4u 
who has several units of the whole chassis for sale. I do not know which motor they are (they are conventional, not LC), but you might look into them as an option.
DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way connected with the seller, nor do I know from personal experience anything about his goods. I am providing this info simply as a service to the OP.
Thanks to all for the input. I would concur that for the most part its just not a feasible solution to change out engines for a stronger one. Is it quite a chore to change out the electric motor by the way?
It depends on the specific situation, but in general it's a mechanical engineering exercise to replace a motor. Sometimes, the motor flat won't fit, that's the issue I have with the Hogwart's Express set. I'd like a larger motor, but I can't see how to make it fit.
