Odyssey I / Flywheel Magnet Ring Broken

Howard,

 

You can get a replacement motor with the magnet ring or you can install a Electric RR Cruise Commander M - http://www.electricrr.com/

 

I've got a UP Desert Victory which has the same issue that I gotta get running again.

 

Jim

Howard:    There was a theory that the motor with flywheel can be put in the freezer and the brass flywheel will contract and become a smaller diameter; while the new replacement magnetic ring is warmed (?) so it expands a bit allowing you to slip it over the frozen brass flywheel and then held in position (not by hand - frost-bite) until the ring and flywheel return to their original sizes.

 

          Or you can buy a replacement flywheel with the set screw already in place and just mount the new magnetic ring and then attach to the motor shaft.  I would grind a slight flat on the motor shaft where the set screw would press so to be able to secrue it tightly.

 

          If you really like a challenge, then you could remove the brass flywheel and drill out the set screw hole and then counter sink a larger hole just short of the set screw bottom so you do not have to tap the whole length of the brass flywheel for the set screw.  Dennis M.

I had the same thing happen to me  4 years ago on a trainmaster engine. Is this a weakness in the the quality of the product? I only ran my engine at Christmas time for three years before the magnet broke apart. Then I could not find anyone to fix it until I ran across Train America Studios. They did not have the part so I let them replace everything with their control system. That was very stupid of me because I cost myself a lot of un-needed expense.......live and learn.

Thanks Dennis, my next question, how do you remove the brass flywheel with the broken ring so I can replace it with a new one?

I run into broken rings every month.  They are cheap as dirt to buy and you will get it after a few days of placing the order.  Not a tight jamb fit.  super glue and done.  Nothing fancy.   If you order from Lionel, order  more than one if you ever need to do the job on another.

Marty,

 

I agree changing the magnet ring is easy, but there were some motors where you couldn't replace the ring.  On those you had to change the motor. 

 

Jim

I have repaired the magnets with both epoxy and also CA glue and encountered no further problems; that is assuming that you have all the pieces.

 

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA

I had to break a new ring then glue it back in place on my H16-44. Had no way to pull the flywheel off...

Set screw or wheel puller.  Frank Timko sells the best wheel puller in the hobby.

I think a wheel puller is for when you're doing a lot of these.  For doing one or two, it's probably an expensive option.

We sell what is called a "fix-it" flywheel, which has a set screw (to prevent the requirement of a press). We also sell new magnet rings. The rings are universal as are the flywheels. I will post part numbers later today, when on a computer. Thanks, Mike

Theres that "Mikado" guy again, always chiming in when you least expect it,like he knows everything...................

That's good info Mike!  I didn't realize there was a replacement that the common man could use.

Mikado,

 

  I remember those do it yourself "fix-it" kits, still have not done mine yet it is still laying on the workbench!!  I will give you a call this week and see about coming down some time if your schedule permits.

 

Jeff

The trick is removing the original flywheel without damaging the motor or bending the shaft and without damaging the delicate sensor board without a special puller.

My personal opinion is unless you want to keep the electronics original, I would go with the Electric RR's Cruise Commander M. Better speed control and no possilbilty of the magnet breaking again.

I have to agree with Chuck.  Some of the Odyssey I equipped engines work pretty well, but some are very poor in speed regulation.  I replaced a couple with the Cruise Commander M in the poor ones, they run much smoother now.

 

Also, I never did understand why only certain Odyssey I engines have the power-on "jump" when you first move them after applying power, but others don't.  Has anyone ever cracked the code on that issue?

Guys

 

I had a look at trying to pull off the flywheel, that in itself is not difficult however then you have to drill it out very slightly to slide it back on also drill and tap out for a screw to secure back on

 

What about snapping a new ring in half and epoxy it back on ! would that work ? 

Wouldn't recommend that. Its very easy to unbalance the flywheel. Even a small amount off balance will increase vibration and shorten bearing life.

 

Pete

Pulling the Flywheel is not an easy task, and can easily damage the motor bearings creating "thrust" slop.  My suggestion is to replace the ring magnet, which is available.  Only pull the flywheel if no other options exist.

I think the part #'s Mike is referring to is:

 

6501108102 FLYWHEEL / COMET / ZEPHYR

6108080128 Odyssey I / Flywheel Magnet Ring

 

It worked pretty slick. The ring slips easily over the flywheel then put a few touches of super glue to hold it in place. Be ready to have on hand a very small (micro) hex allen wrench to move the set screw in the flywheel.

This is probably the Flywheel part number:

 

6208523102

No "probably about it.

 

  

Mike should post the correct number, but the one I listed is the one identified as the Fix it flywheel.  G

 

I gave up trying to "roger " my flywheel as too much risk, ended up discarding Lionel mag system and installed ERR cruise commander board, very happy far better and smooth speed control now

 

The ring fit the brass one above nicely but i'm guessing the 6208523102 is probably the same size... price is the same anyway. Hmm why don't you fellas order them both in and let me know your result! 

 

I had to wait a few days for a new hex key tool just to fit the locking screw on the flywheel before I could finish repairs... All I had to do was replace the Odyssey board.

 

Have either of you two taken the ring off the flywheel w/ success? I'm guessing you just use an exacto knife on the edge where the glue is gently tap or pull the ring off the flywheel to get to the retaining screw on the flywheel?

The magnets Don't fit the Fix It Flywheel. Not sure what the Fix It flywheel is supposed to fix other than your wallet if its too fat.

 

Pete

The magnet is brittle and will crack due expanding and contraction of the flywheel. The fix it flywheel is made with a smaller diameter to allow for this without cracking the magnet. It also has a set screw for easier replacement.

 

Bill

Bill, Are you saying you have used the Fix it Flywheel with a new magnet? I assumed it would be slightly undersize compared to the magnet but the ones I have are about .040" undersize. I had to fabricate a shim to mount the magnet and keep it centered.

 

Pete

  Yes

Just to get the #'s right on the fix it wheel & ring... could you tell us what part #'s are you using Bill please??

 

 

Flywheel 620-8523-102

 

Magnet  610-8080-128

 

 

 

Bill