Introduction
The RX motor was fitted to most Scalextric cars from the 1960s. In order for your Scalextric car's RX motor to give the best possible performance it has to be in the best possible health. Effectively giving the maximum torque for the electrical power available to it. For any electrical motor to give its best 3 key areas need to be considered; the mechanical condition of the motor, the electrical condition of the motor and the magnetic condition of the motor.
Mechanical
Mechanically the RX motor needs to be in the best condition possible to ensure that no energy is lost and the motor can transfer all of the generated torque to the rear axle. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:
The RX motor was fitted to most Scalextric cars from the 1960s. In order for your Scalextric car's RX motor to give the best possible performance it has to be in the best possible health. Effectively giving the maximum torque for the electrical power available to it. For any electrical motor to give its best 3 key areas need to be considered; the mechanical condition of the motor, the electrical condition of the motor and the magnetic condition of the motor.
Mechanical
Mechanically the RX motor needs to be in the best condition possible to ensure that no energy is lost and the motor can transfer all of the generated torque to the rear axle. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:
- Firstly check and ensure that all the parts are present and undamaged. All missing or damaged parts must must be replaced.
- Check and ensure the motor armature spins freely with no rubbing or tight spots. This could be caused by missing or damaged bearings or a damaged motor housing.
- Review the motor pinion gear and ensure all the gear teeth are in good condition. Replace the pinion gear if gear teeth damage is found.
- Add a drop of oil to each of the bearing felt pads.
- Ensure the brush spring sleeve is present and in good condition. Replace if necessary.
Electrical
There are many electrical connections and contacts used on the RX motor. Each of these must be in good condition to ensure the best performance of the motor. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:
- irstly check and ensure that the solder joint between the wire from the pick-up brush and the eyelet that fits over the brush spring sleeve is complete and sound. Replace or remake this joint if any of the wire strands are broken or not making contact.
- Inspect the eyelet for any dirt or metal oxides that may have formed over the years. Clean the brush spring back to clean shiny metal where it contacts the motor brush.
- Inspect the brush spring for any dirt or metal oxides that may have formed over the years. Clean the brush spring back to clean shiny metal where it contacts the motor brush and the screw that secures the magnet.
- Inspect and clean the motor brushes removing any dirt, oil and carbon deposits. Ensure the carbon block is present and securely attached to the brass strip. Clean the motor brushes back to clean shiny metal where they contact the brush spring and eyelet.
- Remove any dirt, oil and carbon deposits from between the commutator segments of the armature.
- Remove any dirt, oil and carbon deposits from the commutator.
- Check the three solder joints that secure the armature windings to the commutator, remake these joints if necessary.
Magnetic
The magnetic field used by the RX motor is provided by a permanent magnet at the rear of the motor. The magnetic field reaches the outside of the armature by the use of steel plates that are also used as the housing for the motor. To ensure the magnetic circuit is maintained the RX motor uses various materials to ensure the magnetic field is not reduced.
- Ensure the magnet is secured by the correct brass screw.
- Ensure both the steel housing plates make good tight contact with the magnet.
- Ensure the aluminum plate adjacent to the magnet is fitted correctly.
- Ensure the brass plate at the commutator end of the motor is fitted correctly.
