Airfix electric motor question

[GordonD]

In the not-too-distant future (i,e, before the heat-death of the Universe) I will be starting on the Airfix Typhoon. I plan to build it in-flight and fit the electric motor. I've already got hold of the motor but the instructions on the back are minimal, to say the least. So, a couple of questions:

1) How many batteries does the motor use?

2) If it's two AA, then would this battery box fit the bill? Apparently it has a built-in switch, which would solve the problem of starting and stopping the motor.

3) If not, are there any suggestions on how to wire up the motor?

I should point out that I already have the stand, salvaged from a suspended 1:24 Stuka build.

[PlaStix]

Hi Gordon,

If it's the standard Airfix prop motor then I used it with a recent 1/48 build and it uses only one AA Battery. Maplins do a single AA battery holder. You will need to buy a switch with this one though.

Kind regards,

Stix

Edited February 12, 2016 by PlaStix

[Black Knight]

The motor will run on 1.5 to 6 volts.

More V = faster prop spin

1.5 would be fine.

You could wire in a small flick switch and fit it in the base of the stand. It would just need a a small hole, about 8mm diameter.

You could use a off/on switch, or a press-to-make momentary on switch.

[Hotel Papa]

The original Airfix motor does not need a switch (nor will it start up simply by connecting voltage). When at rest, the commutator contacs sit in insulating strips of the commutator, breaking the circuit. The motor is then started by simply giving the prop a flick. Once running, inertia carries the rotor over the insulated sectors. To stop it, simply brake it with a finger and let it find its magnetic rest point, where contact will be broken again.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Hotel Papa

[Twobad]

The bottom right of the motor packet says 1 AA battery is required.

If memory serves from my distant youth, it's also a two pole motor so requires you to spin the prop to get it going once the power is connected.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Twobad

[Black Knight]

The OP doesn't say if his motor is the original type or the more recent one which I think does require a switch

[Hotel Papa]

or the more recent one which I think does require a switch

Oops.

You are right.

[GordonD]

Oops.

You are right.

That's the one I have, purchased from Hannant's a few months ago. (I needed to reach the minimum level for an on-line purchase so added this; otherwise I would have got one in my LMS and asked their advice at the time.)