As above, but if it loaded lightly rather than maxed out it may well run ok..it is the current draw that is likely to burn it up, rather than simply a lot of volts. Applying more voltage will of course ramp up the amps and so…whooof!!!

Ashley

Un-branded motors can also be a source of endless exasperation, expense, embarrassment and stress unless you really know what you're doing with them.

I'm not having a pop at anyone but it baffles me how many modellers will happily fork out hundreds of pounds for a kit, fittings, glues, paints and a radio and then sling into it a scrappy unmarked motor which they bought for a quid somewhere. What's the current on load? What voltage rating does it have? What's the stall current? How many poles are there? How many winds on the armature? The answer to all is usually "I don't know".

Sorry, guys – I've had to sort out so many problems with the electronic consequences of this short-sighted practice that I always recommend buying a known, branded motor with some basic performance details (either on it or on a website) from a reliable supplier. Save a tenner on the motor and blow up a thirty quid speed controller? I've lost count of the number of times I've seen it. Sammy – please save it for ballast and buy an MFA 380 or 385 – you'll get change from a fiver for either of them.

Dave M

Dave (bless him) is absolutely correct in what he says about not skimping on a motor when buying an expensive kit but those of us who live on the other side of the lines cant afford a posh kit and usually end up nailing planks and milk cartons together to make a model and will fit any old motor that we can scavenge.

Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't…………which is all part of the fun.

Kip

As you very rightly say its no good buying a fancy meter if you are not prepared to learn how it works but when you do know how to twiddle the knobs it can save a few bob in electronic mishaps.

Paul

whats a crank thrust bearing?

Dear Kevin

Please don't think that using unknown motors or equipment is as straightforward and simple as I might make it seem. Before using unknown motors I always thoroughly bench test them first to establish optimum voltage and amp draw so please don't go putting any old motor into your pride and joy without checking it out first.

I might pull his leg but Dave Milbourn is undoubtedly one of this countries leading experts on model electronics and his sage advice about buying decent equipment is well founded.

Paul