00 gauge Lima model trains loco service guide updated for 2015 

The old Lima pancake motor is one of the most reliable and easily repaired model train power units ever. This is why there are still so many old Lima trains out there and running. Was never given the credit it deserved back in the day. But now it has become kind of legendary and for good reason. Also Mazok Rot and Zinc Pest will never be a problem for Lima locos.

Today I finally had time to pay attention to my Lima Class 37. Luckily I found your video and went through the entire procedure. Previously, the model needed more than 8v to move. After the service, it now takes 5v to start the movement. I'll install a DCC decoder to see how it goes.

I have by chance discovered your channel and this takes me back ! I had western renown, western gladiator , and the western enterprise lima set new standards back then , and clearing some stuff the other day I found my old lima 09. loved this service video takes me right back .

Awesome simple explanation. New to the hobby and helped me a ton and a half. Thanks.

Excellent video. Will give it a go once I’ve got the correct supplies 👍

Thanks for a really useful video Mike. I've been using this method to restore some of my old Lima 33's and 47's and convert them to DCC. The brushes and pick up plates had worn right down though, fortunately it's fairly easy to get new ones.

Very interesting and informative.

Thank you very much mate.

Thankyou for sharing

I’m going to repair a Lima Alco of 1978 with the same mechanism. Thank you for this video.

Excellent work, it is best to keep the original engine! I have several brand locomotives and I do the same cleaning process, the difference is that I lubricate them with liquid wax, the gears do not get wet and they do not get dirty, after all this the result is optimal, greetings from Argentina.

Very, very good video, Mike. That takes me back 30 years ! The principles still apply and you have illustrated step by step 'how to do it'. Marvellous.............Reinhard

Hello Mike as I have some old lima model's I think this is one of the best videos I have seen on the subject keep up the great work all the best anthony

Hi Mike , Great job on the Video. I typically have stayed away from Ringfield motor Loco's ( Except for Fleischmann ) . Recently I came across a very good deal online for a couple of Used Lima's .. i could not resist the temptation, so I purchased them . This is when your video came in handy. I reviewed your video first, and then i decided to do my Full on Service of the loco ... I must say that it runs really well now , infact , I do like the ringfields on these Lima's in comparison to the older Hornby's and Bachmann's .. I found they lack precision to enable smooth operation . I also use the same lubricants from woodland scenics as well . I have use the Gear oil for the gears and the medium oil for the motor bearings . I also use Conducta Lube , which is a different product but works very well for the brearing between the brushes .. as Conducta lube is conductive and as a result does not foul up your commutator if it happens to make its way to it . Again , thank you for a great , detailed video on how to service these Lima ringfield motors. I have sub'd to your channel . Check out my channel when you get a chance (Anthony's Hobby Corner) ... Regards, - Anthony . -

Believe it or not - Ive only just hd to service my 31 - runs quietly now compared to before. Thanks for the guide!

Very smart, thx!

Very informative and I will get an ultrasonic bath next time in the U.K. I have a massive collection of Lima Time to get servicing

Excellent video Mike, I may try stripping my Lima Deltic.

That's good camerawork.

glass fibre pens are brilliant to clean lima wheels, I use them on my fleet

I have the 0-6-0 Pannier, it had been in a box from a number of years. Gave it some oil and cleaned it up and it ran. There might be a weight missing., can you provide the service sheet? Thanks

Love the camera style light in the background!! :-) Where did you get it??

Hi nice video. I guess it wouldn't be 'too difficult' to swap the un powered boogie for a powered boogie? Also what radius turns are you using? Thanks

Hi Mike, great video, thank you. Had one of my Lima diesels apart for a service as per your video and I'm struggling to get it to pick up power from the track. Connecting to power across the motor works fine, and equally from the wire to the unpowered bogey but not the rear bogey itself. The electrical pickup in the rear bogey looks fine and putting power directly to that makes it run on the bench, as does attaching the crocodile clips to both the rear and front bogeys. Not too sure why it won't pick up from the track though, any thoughts? Cheers.

Rudimentary beasts. But they can run incredibly well when fettled. And unlike modern motors 100% serviceable.

Hello, are the service sheets that you refer to in the video available? I dropped my lima class 37 and one of the wires has fallen off the bogie without the motor and I can't figure out were it reattached. Thanks

I currently own 2 Lima models and both are a pain in the neck. I have removed both motors and thoroughly cleaned them and now neither work. In fact both are totally dead. Despite my best efforts both motors have failed. and the models packed away. I am now considering the Ringfield motor upgrade for both. I have not seen anywhere a tutorial on the wiring and various components. One aspect I have found is that one has a spring on the post on the non powered bogie and the other does not. Another aspect is why is there a difference to the Hornby and Lima motors. One type has a clip for the gears and the other does not. Both my motors do not have this clip. Trying to get these motors to run is in deed the most frustrating aspect. Any chance a few more in depth tutorials can be made.

Thanks I have a lot of limas and none of them work.