Pullmor vs Can Motors

The difference between the two comes down to their designs.

The Pullmor is an AC open frame type and these require periodic maintenance, such as oiling of the armature shaft and changing the motor brushes (those two cylinders that make contact with the commutator). They tend to make a fair bit of noise depending on the type, and tend to stick when trying to run at slow speeds.

The can motors are a DC closed (can shape, hence the name) that don't require maintenance. These are practically noiseless and allow much smoother and steadier speed on locomotives. These really lend themselves best to things like speed control on the recent Lionel Legacy and MTH Proto2/3 locomotives.

Some of the cheaper locomotives with smaller can motors like the older Lionel introductory locos don't run as slowly or steadily, but they still require no maintenance. More expensive locomotives with larger can motors like the Pittman and Canon type can run super slow to a creep.

Can motors are DC. Pullmor motors run on A/C or DC and are universal motors. The old Pullmor motor design is typically easily repaired while the can motors are disposable items.  DC can motors provide better performance at slow speeds and offer better realism. The original Pullmor motors were 3 pole and IMO were designed for kids who liked to run their trains fast.

Thanks.  All that said, I'm a fan of the CAN motor and am looking for a Green 5 Stripe GG1 (semi-scale) with CAN motors and railsounds.

Thanks - Ponz

Mikado 4501 posted:

The difference between the two comes down to their designs.

The Pullmor is an AC open frame type and these require periodic maintenance, such as oiling of the armature shaft and changing the motor brushes (those two cylinders that make contact with the commutator). They tend to make a fair bit of noise depending on the type, and tend to stick when trying to run at slow speeds.

The can motors are a DC closed (can shape, hence the name) that don't require maintenance. These are practically noiseless and allow much smoother and steadier speed on locomotives. These really lend themselves best to things like speed control on the recent Lionel Legacy and MTH Proto2/3 locomotives.

Some of the cheaper locomotives with smaller can motors like the older Lionel introductory locos don't run as slowly or steadily, but they still require no maintenance. More expensive locomotives with larger can motors like the Pittman and Canon type can run super slow to a creep.

Thomas

How would one know the Pittman and Canon type from any other?

Ponz

Ponz posted:

Thanks.  All that said, I'm a fan of the CAN motor and am looking for a Green 5 Stripe GG1 (semi-scale) with CAN motors and railsounds.

Thanks - Ponz

If brand doesn't matter, then look for a Williams as they all had can motors in them. I also believe any of the MTH would also. And unless you knew or where told, which Lionel are both if I'm correct.

rtraincollector posted:

Ponz posted:

Thanks.  All that said, I'm a fan of the CAN motor and am looking for a Green 5 Stripe GG1 (semi-scale) with CAN motors and railsounds.

Thanks - Ponz

If brand doesn't matter, then look for a Williams as they all had can motors in them. I also believe any of the MTH would also. And unless you knew or where told, which Lionel are both if I'm correct.

Yes Bill - but I'd like the can motors with a realistic sounding horn too.

Ponz

I have found that Pullmor diesels with vertical motors and separate trucks ('55 and up F3, GP7/GP9S, FMs) will give you similar performance to vertical can motor diesels with flywheels and no speed control (early MTH and all Williams). This is under conventional control. 

"How would one know the Pittman and Canon type from any other?"

Typically, there is a big label on the motor with the brand name.

Lou1985 posted:

I have found that Pullmor diesels with vertical motors and separate trucks ('55 and up F3, GP7/GP9S, FMs) will give you similar performance to vertical can motor diesels with flywheels and no speed control (early MTH and all Williams). This is under conventional control. 

I do not agree completely, but the point is valid. Gearing is as important and the motor, actually. A well run-in Pullmor in a limbered-up loco with decent gearing (Lionel 700E Hudson and derivatives, for example) can give presentable low-speed performance, if you are not looking for the sub-10 smph creep. Also, the Pullmor does not have the power of a modern permag can motor, but unless you are one of those 50-car train types - and few of us have layouts like that - they can be plenty powerful in the real world of 12-car trains.

I much prefer the permag can motor, but the right Pullmor in the right situation is just fine. That big old armature acts kind of like a built-in flywheel, too.

Coreless Faulhaber are heavenly sweet, beyond words