I was noticing that some Williams dummy engines are equipped with geared trucks that have rollers on the bottom. I was wondering if it would be possible to motorize these units simply by placing a can motor in the truck.
Thanks.
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Check Williams website. They used to sell & probably still do the trucks with motors for each of their different engines. Easy wiring .
Larry
Mine lacked a worm gear on the axle too, but could be powered.
A Timko can motor conversion is another option.
The Williams power replacement is complete truck with motor already installed. simple replacement. Here is one example from their website.
Of course a direct swap would be simple, but not every motor, gear, and truck is always available... like the one in the link which is out of stock. Timko was always pretty competitive in their pricing.
The Williams motorizing kits also come with their e unit. Its a complete truck minus the sideframes. You just swap sideframes and go. They have gotten pricey though and you might be able to find a powered engine for less than the kit. Then just swap shells.
Pete
Also you may want to look into Williams closeout locos. Their 4 axle "Chuggington" loco has been on closeout for around $60.00 - A better deal than buying a power kit. And you can just sell the donor locomotive as a dummy.
From what I've seen (depending on the vintage), Williams dummy trucks may have some of the gears required, but not all (usually missing one or more of the spur gears that pass power to the other axle). A can motor (with the Williams mount) will bolt right on top. There has been a fellow at York who has a bunch of older Williams parts, including wheels and gears. Have not seen motors, but he has the mounts and you can mate up a number of can motors to it. Just have to find that worm gear!
I have bought complete power trucks from this guy (I think his first name is Frank, Orange Hall, near the front entrance, his table is right on the end). Parts in cigar boxes, you have to dig a little, but ask him what he has - most likely some stuff is back at the ranch.
Thanks for all the input everybody.
I looked at my Alco PB last night, and it looks like they did leave out some of the gears.
What I'm actually trying to do is replace a power truck on my 1987 vintage Williams Trainmaster. The drive gear that mates to the worm has finally stripped out, but the worm gear (not original motor) looks fine.
I saw a dummy FM chassis for sale on the bay for less than two new power trucks would cost from WBB, and was thinking of using this to replace the trucks, but as Mr. Waterman says, the spur gears likely will not be installed.
Being in the St. Louis area, I don't get to go to York, but that fellow in the orange hall might be a good bet. Can anybody verify his contact info?
Thanks.
Jim was likely referring to Frank Vacek. His contact info is in this thread.
https://ogrforum.com/...29#41835033142667129
Being a 1987 engine it may not be the same as the newer FM. Does yours have motor flywheels? The later ones do. That may indicate different gears as well. Frank would know for sure as I believe he worked for Williams.
Pete
