Ringfield Motor Upgrade Using a 3D Printed Adaptor

In this video, we take a look at an alternative method for replacing the ringfield/pancake motor in older Lima and Hornby models with a brand new CD/DVD drive motor.

We’ve used glue and brass tube in earlier projects to support the new motor, and while it works well, it can be a fiddly process, it takes time and can be hard to reverse.

Using a computer-designed and 3D-printed adaptor, you can quickly and simply install and perfectly align a replacement DC motor.

If you ever needed to replace a component, or indeed wanted to reinstall the original ringfield motor, it’s entirely possible to do so. This is a non-invasive alternative!

This is a detailed, step-by-step video and you’ll probably want a cup of tea or coffee and a comfy chair. The methods used in this video are not necessarily the only way to do it, nor necessarily the best.

Some things to consider

The 10mm CD/DVD drive motor should work in most Lima models locomotives of the following OO gauge classes: 08, 09, 31, 37, 40, 47, 52, 59, 60, 66 and 92. Other models may be able to accommodate a 12mm motor, but you must check dimensions yourself first and the 3D printed part would have to be altered accordingly.

The replacement motor is a 12000rpm, 6V, 0.03A DC motor. The output from a DCC decoder or a DC controller can reach 12V DC (sometimes a little higher) at the top end. In order to avoid motor burn-out and prolong motor life:

1. Diodes should be used to reduce voltage (as shown in the video),
2. DCC decoders should have their CV5 value reduced (if available), and
3. Top speeds should be kept to a minimum and run at higher speeds for short periods only.

The PLA+ plastic filament used in the production of the adaptor has a glass transition temperature of 50°-60°C (the point at which it may begin to soften). Our trials showed the motor got up to about 47.6°C after an hour of constant running at medium-to-fast speeds.

Under normal ‘home’ use, it’s unlikely that the plastic will be adversely affected by motor temperature, however if the motor is used for very long periods or worked hard with a long rake etc., its temperature may begin to exceed the glass transition temperature of the plastic and it may begin to soften.

Please note: I’ve drawn upon ideas and suggestions from a range of sources, as well as implementing my own. If you choose to follow any of the steps outlined in this article or video, you do so at your own risk and any damage to yourself, your models or your equipment is your own responsibility.

Upgrading a Lima Class 47: Ringfield Motor Replacement

Earlier in the year, we started an in-depth mini-series on a variety of upgrades to an old Lima Class 47 loco. On 8 June 2018, we published the fourth and fifth videos in the series, which focus on replacing the ringfield/pancake motor with a brand new CD/DVD drive motor.

In Part A, we look at dismantling the old motor, removing the gears for cleaning, adapting the plain bearing to accommodate a smaller drive shaft and positioning the new motor ready for gluing.

Part B then focuses on fixing the motor into place, creating a small diode array to drop some volts so that the motor is less stressed by higher voltages and then wiring it all up to the DCC decoder.

These are detailed, step-by-step videos. If you want a brief overview, you’ll find other options on YouTube and elsewhere. The methods used in the videos are not necessarily the only way to do it, nor necessarily the best.

Diode voltage dropper

In the project, we use a simple diode circuit to drop down voltage to the motor by ~2V. This is to help reduce potential for the 6V motor to be burnt out by over-voltage when running at higher speeds.

We produced a quick reference diagram for the diode voltage dropper, which should hopefully make the soldering process straightforward. The circuit is not mandatory per se and decoders with CV5 may be able to keep voltage down via other means, but we still recommend it.

Diode voltage dropper circuit for Lima motor conversion

Note: our diode circuit features SMD (surface mount) components, but the configuration is the same for the through-hole variety; you can just twist the legs together and solder, rather than using copper-clad circuit board.

Some technical considerations

The 10mm CD/DVD drive motor should work in most Lima models locomotives of the following OO gauge classes: 08, 09, 31, 37, 40, 47, 52, 59, 60, 66 and 92. Other models may be able to accommodate a 12mm motor, but you must check dimensions yourself first.

The replacement motor is a 12000rpm, 6V, 0.03A DC motor. The output from a DCC decoder or a DC controller can reach 12V DC (sometimes a little higher) at the top end. In order to avoid motor burn-out and prolong motor life:

1. Diodes should be used to reduce voltage (as shown in the video),
2. DCC decoders should have their CV5 value reduced (if available), and
3. Top speeds should be kept to a minimum and run at higher speeds for short periods only.

Parts & consumables

To save you having to trawl the web for the parts and consumables used in the videos, we’ve compiled a few Amazon affiliate links for your convenience:

* 10mm 6V motor: https://amzn.to/2HtkpYa
* 8-tooth, 2mm ID/5mm OD gears: https://amzn.to/2HtWI1C
* 2.5mm OD brass tube here: https://tinyurl.com/2-5mm-brass-tube
* Surface mount (SMD) rectifier diodes: https://amzn.to/2JnqkDE
* Through-hole rectifier diodes: https://amzn.to/2sQweSH

Ringfield motor gear layout

We always recommend that you take a photo of things before dismantling anything. However, just in case you’ve taken your motor apart and forgotten which way round the gears go, here’s a photo we took during one of our conversion jobs…

Lima Ringfield motor gears

Please note: I’ve drawn upon ideas and suggestions from a range of channels and people, as well as implementing my own. If you choose to follow any of the steps outlined in the video, you do so at your own risk and any damage to yourself, your models or your equipment is your own responsibility.