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 Posted - January 31 2009 : 10:32:34 AM
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i'm needing help on identifying the MU-2 motor. i would like to know what i'm looking for so when i'm on ebay i know what i'm looking for. can you tell from the outside, or do i need to see pictures of the bottom?
from whay i've read, they seem to be the best swap for the power torque engines. do they run better than the PT? do they last better?
thanks
jerry
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Posted - January 31 2009 : 1:17:55 PM
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In tyco maintance and repar you will find MU2 info and picts.
frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - January 31 2009 : 1:56:10 PM
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Some locos are easier to tell at a glance than others. An MU-2 loco will generally be any that was made before 1974/75. If you review older catalogs, you can get a feel for which locos and/or roadnames were (or were not) offered with an MU-2 or PT.
But, in general, here are some tips:
- The C630, plastic Shark, SD24, E7, and GG1 never originally came with MU-2; they were PT-only (although MU-2's can be made to fit).
- The F7/9, GP20, and C430 were MU-2 until 1974/75... then converted to PT.
- If you have a 430 with black tabs above the fuel tank at the walkway, that is a PT.
- F7/9's with number board inserts were PT-only. The earlier ones with "blank" number boards are 95% MU-2.
- PT GP20's came with plastic handrails. MU-2 versions were metal. They can be swapped though so be careful.
- On those locomotives that were either/or... and to determine if a later model was converted: if you see a SILVER tab or notch below the cab window (as opposed to black), that is an MU-2 drive. (an F7/9 without a visible tab will be an MU-2)
The MU-2s are generally better performers in terms of longevity. I would honestly have to say a well-tuned PT does meet Tyco's claim of better performance, myself... however as you know they turn to crap on a whim. While the MU-2's have been known to "run forever"... they do have their own drawbacks, and are a PITA to work on (not difficult per se... just hard to disassemble and requiring new fasteners to put back together, etc).
Edited by - GoingInCirclez on January 31 2009 1:58:06 PM
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Posted - January 31 2009 : 4:33:32 PM
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| Thanks for the spotting tips for MU-2 vs. PowerTorques. In addition aren't the trucks themselves different? Or are there variations in MU-2 and PowerTorque trucks themselves?
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Posted - February 01 2009 : 3:56:52 PM
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A six axle unit will always be a Powertorque, with the rare exception of the first Alco 630 which was built for Tyco by Rivarossi. The MU-2 trucks couldn't have a center axle because the armature was in the way.
You may be able to spot the Powertorque spur gears through the gap between the sideframes and the shell, or the bronze brush retainer if it's taken from the brush side of the motor, assuming the photo is sharp and well-lit (I still can't get over the amount of blurry photos posted on eBay). The magnet pole pieces may be visible between the truck and body on the MU-2 trucks.
You should familiarize myself with both trucks so you know what you're looking at, and ask the seller questions. Only an MU-2 will have a steel bottom plate, for example.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - February 01 2009 : 5:09:42 PM
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Like Nelson said, it is easiest to tell by the bottom of each motor.
The PowerTorque always has 3 axles,
and the MU-2 has a flat metal plate on the bottom.
However, I still don't really understand how to compare the different tabs and trucks on each motor. 
    
- Matt -
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Posted - February 01 2009 : 7:32:05 PM
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Hey Guys:
The problem is rarely in an EvilBay auction do you get the luxury of an undershot. More often than not it's as GIC suggested about the front trcuk tabs, and also the sideframe detail...
-Gareth
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Posted - February 01 2009 : 8:51:05 PM
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quote:
The MU-2s are generally better performers in terms of longevity. I would honestly have to say a well-tuned PT does meet Tyco's claim of better performance, myself... however as you know they turn to crap on a whim. While the MU-2's have been known to "run forever"... they do have their own drawbacks, and are a PITA to work on (not difficult per se... just hard to disassemble and requiring new fasteners to put back together, etc).
Originally posted by GoingInCirclez-January 31 2009: 1:56:10 PM
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what other drawbacks are there with the mu-2?
i don't guess i've ever had a good power torque motor, they have all flew all to hell in a hurry. most run bad when i got them, & i can usually can make them run better, but honestly i'm tired of fooling with power torque's. if their (tyco) drives were better i believe they would still be in the train business. they did make some nice looking items, just not great performers.
how do we go about subscribing to a topic on this site? the only way i know i get replies is to check the site every day. can we get email notification? thanks
jerry
Edited by - smokie on February 01 2009 8:54:25 PM
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