Model Train Journal

Tore down a Lionel 252 recently, motor looked untouched from the day it came out of the factory - a bit dirty, caked with hardened grease, rollers showing some wear, figured the brushes might need replacement as it was running sluggishly. Other than the wheels having been replaced, couldn't find any evidence of any other significant repairs/maintenance. The brushes, however, looked good. Doubting they'd ever been replaced, but it's possible for this 90+ year-old loco. I can't say I've ever taken anything, prewar or postwar, apart and seen brushes in a dire state. I wonder how long these things (brushes) typically last?

Healey

healey36 wrote: I wonder how long these things (brushes) typically last?

Healey

Until the day they fail, and no longer. Trust me.

You haven't lived until you take apart a poorly running engine, recently serviced by a "reputable" shop, and find stacked brushes. Two wore out brushes in each holder, stacked up.

That's not as bad as finding a double-gasketed spin-on oil filter installed by a "reputable" mechanic.