E-2a repowering suggestions needed

Sat May 1 10:42:38 EDT 2021

Jim, I asked this question (the motoring side) a couple years ago and got a response from the Repowering Groups.io by way of a couple of list members here. I’ve pasted a few comments from my notes below. In the end, I planned not to replace the gearbox since the TOHO gearbox was not seen as deficient in any significant way and leaving it in place simplifies things. However, that might impact motor choice since the relatively low gearing (due to the large gear wheel) require more rpm for a given speed. And of course if the model needs to be re-quartered anyway, then replacing the gearbox makes more sense. My project was put on the the back burner for a variety of reasons, so I don’t have concrete feedback to provide - just a heads up.

On the sound side, I’m also planning on using the Scale Sound Systems products that David referenced. His products are very well received by diesel guys and given his background as a sound engineer, I’m certain that steam sound reproduction will be on par. The steam sounds I've heard youtube videos sounds fine to me. His secret sauce are his in-house designed enclosures built around specific drivers (what we call speakers). See his white paper on the site that David linked below. He’s also local, and I like supporting local.

We had SSS’s owner, JT Burke, at our NMRA Division meeting two or three years ago in Marion, Ohio, and we have him on the schedule again this June (assuming the state is good for in-person gatherings at that time). Nice guy. Anyone is welcome to visit as a guest. I would guess he’ll have some products with him as well. Contact me for more information if you’re interested in attending.

Motor notes snippets:
From Ken Clark to Frank B:
“For the E2a I would start with the 18mm 4 magnet Mabuchi SF-266 motors we have been discussing.  That alone may be enough and not require replacing the gearbox.  If the OEM gearbox is high ratio (40:1) this motor may make the top speed too slow."
…
From Ken Clark to Roger Huber (also the E2a)
"If your gearbox is 27:1, I would  first try installing the 18mm Mabuchi SF-266SA 6 pole motors.
"If the top speed is acceptable (this is a 7,000 rpm motor @ 12 volts). with DCC at 18 volts the rpms may be closer to 10,000.
"That would be a big improvement over the OEM open frame motor and should be quieter as well.  At around $2 each on eBay, this would be certainly a modest investment for the degree of improvement.  The ultimate solution would be a NWSL ball bearing idler gearbox at around $50 each; not sure if that would be a $200 improvement."

Matt Goodman
Columbus, Ohio, US

> On Apr 30, 2021, at 8:04 AM, NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> For sound:. The tcs high bass is amazing. If you want to do tender/smoke box, a scale sound boiler barker and tender speaker are also amazing.  The boiler barker helps high frequency sound come from the stack (bell, whistle) which is more real than from the tender.  If your ears are good, that hardware can actually make a model sound even a little real..... Which is really hard for steam.
> 
> https://www.scalesoundsystems.com/product-page/force-full-range <https://www.scalesoundsystems.com/product-page/force-full-range>
> 
> He is a professional audio engineer who also does trains, and his stuff is amazing.
> 
> For decoder: there are three good ones: TCS, Soundtraxx, and ESU. They all have pros and cons.  I think TCS sounds best, but that comes down to what you like.
> 
> David
> 
> On Fri, Apr 30, 2021, 12:40 AM NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org <mailto:nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>> wrote:
> I just purchased a NWSL E-2a that I plan to remotor, replace the gearbox and rubber sleeve, add lights, change some details to better quality, and install DCC and sound.  It will be detailed to match #578 in 1957, its last year of operation.  Looking for suggestions from anyone who’s done this. 
> 
>  
> 
> What NWSL motor/gearbox/drive shaft numbers should I purchase?
>  
> 
> A speaker will be installed as close to the stack as possible.  Suggestions for speaker source, etc?  Not sure I’d put a low bass speaker in the tender but if y’all suggest such, I’ll consider it.
>  
> 
> If there is room in the cab after remotoring, I’d like to install a generic backhead sheet.  Anything come to mind?
>  
> 
> I was debating installing a battery system using CVP’s throttle since there’s plenty of room in the tender.  However, given that about half of my fleet is diesel with cramped shell cavities, I’ll stick to traditional DCC (NCE is what I have).  Which sound decoder is the best match for the J-whistle used on #578?
>  
> 
> Jim King
> 
> http://smokymountainmodelworks.com/ <http://smokymountainmodelworks.com/>
>  
> 
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