Recently got a couple ~1/500th vintage motorized WWII ships. 1st- an ARII brand “IJN Masashi” battlewagon, no motor, 2nd a Lindberg brand “USS Ticonderoga”, with dead motor. I didn’t break the bank with these, so no worries. Any DC motor source recommends. I’ve found some, like Mabachi brand, seems like they’re about 3.0v jobs on 2 AA batteries. Any RPMs suggestions. All input valued. Thanks
HI dgb, welcome to the forum. I am no expert on those models, but I do have over 50 years of serious experience in Radio controlled everything. If my memory serves me right those 1/500 series used a 1.5 - 3.0v motor that run at the lower end of the rpm range, so they could produce more torque and use less amperage. If the dead motor has a size on it then stay with that size because the motor shafts can vary according to size of the motor can. A good source is oddwires.com, they have alot of options that run only 1-2$ each. If you need any help with the RC gear shoot me PM… Dale
For the ARII kit, I’d expect the kit motor would most likely be a Mabuchi FA-130. These motors have been powering Japanese-made kits for decades.
I believe Tamiya market a number of uprated motors of this type for their mini 4wd range, but of course, they come with a Tamiya price tag.
For a craft that small, I think you need a really tiny motor. I’d recommend one of those motors used to drive vibrators. They are available at a number of surplus electronics places for a few bucks apiece. Some still have the eccentric weight on the shaft but that is easily removed. Try googling vibrator motors or something close.
Hi ;
If you want to keep the Motorized status I would Recommend the base Mabuchi " Can " motors from Slot cars . Run through the gearbox and well sealed stuffing box .Then Go out of scale for the props . Use larger ones from Speed-Boat models and make sure the R.P.M is reduced accordingly .
I use digital speed Control ( Futaba ) and oversize props an all my running models .This way the motor doesn’t get hot and the boat performs well and is more controllable ! Tanker - Builder
Umm, you mean “vibration” motors.
Hey Don !
I think you mean the teensy motors with eccentrics that vibrate Phones Right ?
Right.