Formerly available from Ron Chaplin, this is a range of helical gearbox units mounted on the Canon EN22 motor. Helical gearboxes are mechanically more efficient than worm drive units, thereby allowing the use of a smaller motor for medium and larger size units where space is at a premium.

In addition to the range available with 3/16” wheel axles, we offer 14:1 and 30:1 two stage units with a ¼” wheel axle for Gauge 1 etc. The 14/1 ratio is very suitable for driving bogies on diesel or electric locomotives.

In addition to four ratios available for a conventionally shaped gearbox intended for steam locomotives, there is one unit that has been specifically designed for diesel and electric locomotives (including EMUs and DMUs). The gearbox has been designed in such a way that a Delrin drive sprocket (not supplied) can be fitted to the driving axle to enable a chain drive unit to be made.

These units are only available complete. A 22.0 mm diameter flywheel is an optional extra on these units.

The gearboxes in this range are available in four ratios, 22:1 2 stage, 30:1 2 stage, 30:1 3 stage or 40:1 3 stage – the lower the number the faster the drive axle revolves – final output speed is dependant on driving wheel diameter.

The ¼” axle version of this unit is  available with 2 stage 30:1 gearbox.

The gearbox for the diesel drive unit is available in a 14:1 2 stage ratio for either 3/16th or 1/4 inch axle. The Canon motor has a 2.0mm shaft, a no load speed of 7,000 rpm (+/- 10%), and a rated current of 180mA.