MTL F-7 Re motor

I have recently been developing a motor replacement for our beloved MTL F-7. This mod includes Maxon 8-mm motor and brass flywheels. In addition to improved performance this mod eliminates the offset gear drive and the main source of the noise associated with the MTL F-7. To accommodate the 8-mm motor a small portion of the frame must be milled. An added benefit is that there is space left over in the motor compartment for electronics (decoder). Although I do not have DCC experience in Z I believe the space to be ample. I have been running the heck out of the prototype and have found it to be comparable in speed/ voltage to MTL and AZL diesels. A single loco has been pulling 7-8 AZL heavy weights up 4% grades (quietly). The attached photo is of the original design, some changes have been made since that photo was taken to simplify manufacture but it is basically the same.



The Zelatory

That looks amazing and certainly will put F7 up there with the other Z scale engines, though, I do not see where there is room for a decoder but that could just be the angle the photo was taken at. Where were you thinking the decoder would fit, below, on top or beside the motor

I think this shot will better illustrate the space I was talking about. I am not sure of the dimensions of the Z decoders but the space available is 9/16" x 15/32" x 1/8"
(15 mm x 13 mm x 3 mm) approximate.

Oh yes there are several that will fit in that space, ESU, CT electronic, Lenz, in addition to TCS and looks like it is easy to get to motor tabs and to chassis pickup to boot very nice, any idea of price for this conversion, Will certainly extend the life of this venerable old time we love to call the coffee grinder. I have 6 myself and several bare chassis as well under various items.

This is an upgrade MTL should have done years ago! I passed on buying many of the F7 releases because of all the bad press about how rough they run. I only have one of these, WP 917, and having experienced how bad they are, I never bought another. With this available, I might pick up the other WP F7!

MTL and AZL have stated that the cost of Swiss motors can add significantly to the cost of an engine. Have you put any thought into using the $10 7mm Rokuhan motor as a low cost alternative?

In my search for motors I never came across the Rokuhan motor till I saw it here on Z Central . Any idea who the original manufacturer is? A 7 mm motor would have some real advantages. The Maxon is a joy to behold but your right its very expensive and giving me my biggest doubts on the feasibility of this whole project. My hope was to be able to have these available by spring 2015. Price is contingent on interest, (price break on the number of motors I order). The other limiting factor is the modification to the frame, it would certainly limit it to those who have the means to do the milling. The option I'm considering is doing all mods here in my shop.

Tim

TIMX wrote: Price is contingent on interest, (price break on the number of motors I order). The other limiting factor is the modification to the frame, it would certainly limit it to those who have the means to do the milling. The option I'm considering is doing all mods here in my shop.

Tim

I have at least 9 MTL F-7's that I would commit and send to you for this modification!

I have 5 As and 1 B I could commit.

Thank you gentlemen, these are the kinds of responses I was hoping for. I believe I have tracked down the OEM for the Rokuhan motors and will do some testing to see if this could be an option. I do have some serious doubts though, comparing the specs of both the Maxon and the Rokuhan motors I think the Maxon would be the better bet. Even considering the price difference.

Tim

I have 1 A and 1 B to add to the list

Looks good Tim
I have several MTL F7's that I would like to repower
Is the milling something that could be done with a dermal or would it require a milling machine?

David

I did my initial frame modification with a Dremel so yes it can be done. Not much material needs to be removed but the risk is loosing too much material around the area where the motor mounts slide in. Tim

Here is a shot of the F-7 frame with the portion of the frame removed to accommodate the new motor. It appears in the photo as the shiny area in the center. Done with a ball end mill it does a very clean job and only removes what is necessary leaving as much weight on the frame as possible.





Tim

Here is a shot of the F-7 frame with the portion of the frame removed to accommodate the new motor. It appears in the photo as the shiny area in the center. Done with a ball end mill it does a very clean job and only removes what is necessary leaving as much weight on the frame as possible.





Tim

looking good but would need to have frames milled by someone other than me. Do you want a Rokuhan motor to try it I will have one of each in a few days.

Garth,

I went to the Rokuhan web site and made an attempt at ordering two of the double shaft motor. I am not even sure if my order was placed or not and I have yet to receive any response. Is there a US outlet for these? I would be reluctant to use your motors if you have plans for them but I am eager to find an alternative to the Maxon motor.

Tim

TIMX wrote: I went to the Rokuhan web site and made an attempt at ordering two of the double shaft motor. I am not even sure if my order was placed or not and I have yet to receive any response. Tim

Tim, I'm in Japan. I did the same as you, I placed my order through the English page... but, I didn't receive any reply. I then placed my order through the Japanese page, using Google Chrome translator to figure it out. I received a reply within a few days. Or... retry your order and follow up with an email.

I actually have the Rokuhan motors in stock. I am waiting on pricing which is why we haven't posted them on the sites yet. Tim contact me offline if your interested.

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Rob

if you are having trouble with the order page then e-mail direct to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.