Davewill

Just as a matter of interest I have looked at Pat Hammond's 'The Story of Rovex Vol 1 1950 - 1965', this is an extract from the section on motors.

The controller is an MO, as per the label on the actual unit. The din plug is M only I believe and is blanked out on my MO.

Not being an electrical expert no wonder I am confused! This is the rear of the GMC-100MO box. Spec on web-site says 2.5 amp, box says 14v DC at 1 amp controlled.

I think my original Rovex (given to me in the early 1950s) was possibly second-hand as it did not have a battery box. Power was supplied by an accumulator (for the really young - that was like a glass car battery). Of course, my father being an engineer in an electrical company may have thought it was a cheaper option than buying batteries! As regards the amps output, I must admit to a degree of confusion. I did a lot of research before deciding to replace the basic Hornby controller and a number of sources including at least two reputable suppliers said the GMC-100MO was entirely suitable for very old locos. (One was a Hattons Youtube review of various controllers) I can only repeat what I said earlier; I will run the train sparingly

Thanks for the advice. I am very aware that the motor is rather old and vulnerable to over-use; I will be running it only occasionally. The important thing is that I was able to find one in reasonable condition after a long search.

I understand that very old locos such as my Princess Elizabeth may benefit from/require higher power than more modern trains. If this is so would a Gaugemaster GMC-100MO with 2.5 amp output we a wise investment?

Update today - train now running on 'old' track and it pulls tender and the two original coaches, albeit on full power. Where would I be without the forum?

That more or less sums it up; even with the tender attached the loco struggles. I think I will keep it just to remember my childhood. Years ago I almost bought some of the original track at a toy fair - long before I thought of locating the actual locomotive. Thanks to all for your replies

Me again, a friend gave me some old track a few months ago; I sorted out the best sections to keep not thinking I would need them. Just tried the Princess Elizabeth on that track snd it goes better. I think the track and pickups need to be cleaned even after a few circuits but it is at least working.

Thanks for replying so quickly - yes I cleaned the plungers with fine emery cloth and if you lift the engine slightly off the track the motor appears to run quite fast. I have seen mention of the problem with the flanges - I will see if I can procure some older track to try.

I have recently acquired a Rovex Princess Elizabeth circa 1951/52 ? - plunger type pick-up. This is the exact model I had when I was around ten years old, so it's nearly as old as me! The train is in good condition (even the carriage roofs) except for damage to the rear of the tender which I have repaired and made up a new coupling. Despite a gentle clean and oiling (with 'proper' oil) the engine stops/starts and stalls. The track is from the fairly recent Rovex/Hornby Centenary Edition Princess Elizabeth set and I have tried two different basic controllers. I have just bought a Hornby HM2000 controller as this has a higher wattage output but I regret without the increase in performance which I had hoped for.. I am reluctant to play around with a seventy-year old motor. Has anyone any suggestions or should I just keep it as 'museum piece'. I note from various Youtube videos that some of these Princess's go well and others don't move at all. Many thanks