| As stated in an earlier article I went looking for some information on Aurora armatures only to find that the Front Range HO website could not be found. I had saved that information several years back. It took some time to find it but I did. That said here is some great information on AFX armatures courtesy of Front Range HO. If you are interested in this info then click the read more link. |  |
Early AFX
OHM Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Green Wire with Red Tips
OHM Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Green Wire with Red Tips
Originally available on the third generation "Tuff Ones" series of cars, these arms were also available on some of the earliest AFX cars as Aurora transitioned from "screw-on" Thunderjet 500 bodies to "snap-on" AFX bodies & chassis.
The Tuff Ones also introduced the 14t Cluster Pinion which was carried over to AFX chassis throughout their production run. These arms produced a fairly good mix of top speed and low end torque; and when run on 20V with the proper amperage these can really come alive. The early Tuff Ones arms had copper colored wire with later models having green. To the best of our knowledge, only the green wire version made it into the AFX. Aurora decided to re-introduce the (Copper|Red) color combination on most of the AFX magna-traction (MT) cars throughout their production runs.
Use an ohm meter as your guide, as you don't want to confuse the earlier (Copper|Red) Tuff Ones armatures with the latter, lower performing (Copper|Red) magna-traction arms.
The Tuff Ones also introduced the 14t Cluster Pinion which was carried over to AFX chassis throughout their production run. These arms produced a fairly good mix of top speed and low end torque; and when run on 20V with the proper amperage these can really come alive. The early Tuff Ones arms had copper colored wire with later models having green. To the best of our knowledge, only the green wire version made it into the AFX. Aurora decided to re-introduce the (Copper|Red) color combination on most of the AFX magna-traction (MT) cars throughout their production runs.
Use an ohm meter as your guide, as you don't want to confuse the earlier (Copper|Red) Tuff Ones armatures with the latter, lower performing (Copper|Red) magna-traction arms.
AFX magna-traction
OHM Range: 13.0 - 15.0
Copper Wire with Red Tips
OHM Range: 13.0 - 15.0
Copper Wire with Red Tips
Take into consideration that AFX magna-traction cars came with very strong, dual purpose magnets that not only powered the arm but also provided the vehicle traction. The stronger magnets are probably why these arms ohm so high for Aurora's final pancake offering. Not really a good performance choice in anything other than a MT car; although fair performance in a Thunder-jet 500 can be had with stronger AFX Super II or Johnny Lightning magnets.
As previously mentioned, don't confuse this arm with the similarly colored but lower better performing Tuff Ones arm.
An unusual version of this armature was available in European A|FX magna-tractions. This version had a printed circuit type commutator that sported a resistor or capacitor on each pole. It was suggested by Jim Sgrignioli of Yellow Jacket Performance that this was due to Europe's power not being as clean as U.S. & Canadian power. Cars equipped with this armature might also be found with a capacitor soldered between the pickup shoes, probably to even out the A.C. voltage ripple and prevent surge damage.
As previously mentioned, don't confuse this arm with the similarly colored but lower better performing Tuff Ones arm.
An unusual version of this armature was available in European A|FX magna-tractions. This version had a printed circuit type commutator that sported a resistor or capacitor on each pole. It was suggested by Jim Sgrignioli of Yellow Jacket Performance that this was due to Europe's power not being as clean as U.S. & Canadian power. Cars equipped with this armature might also be found with a capacitor soldered between the pickup shoes, probably to even out the A.C. voltage ripple and prevent surge damage.
Mean Green
OHM Range: 6.0 - 6.5
Green or copper Wire with Green Tips
OHM Range: 6.0 - 6.5
Green or copper Wire with Green Tips
Designed for high RPM operation, this arm (like the rest that follow) is of the typical Bi-Laminate design. The Green|Green version was available on some of the AFX cars, with some purists believing generally better results can be had with the Aurora version. It is meant to be used with the stronger AFX Super II magnets but you'll find they also run well with Johnny Lightning magnets in an Aurora Thunderjet 500 chassis.
Usually available as a separate item through American Line NOS (Copper|Green), this arm, when properly balanced, can attain very high speeds but is best suited for lighter weight cars T chassis due to it's torque profile; cars that have been lightened or use lighter bodies (like Cheetahs, Falcons, Lola's, GT40's or some of the lighter aftermarket resin racing bodies) benefit most from this arm.
If using weighted rear wheels, avoid using ones too heavy if road racing on technical tracks requiring you to dramatically slow down and speed up repeatedly (like a track with many 6" curves). Complete NOS AFX gearplates from American Line containing the Green|Green version are still available and it is widely thought that they contain the genuine Aurora parts.
Usually available as a separate item through American Line NOS (Copper|Green), this arm, when properly balanced, can attain very high speeds but is best suited for lighter weight cars T chassis due to it's torque profile; cars that have been lightened or use lighter bodies (like Cheetahs, Falcons, Lola's, GT40's or some of the lighter aftermarket resin racing bodies) benefit most from this arm.
If using weighted rear wheels, avoid using ones too heavy if road racing on technical tracks requiring you to dramatically slow down and speed up repeatedly (like a track with many 6" curves). Complete NOS AFX gearplates from American Line containing the Green|Green version are still available and it is widely thought that they contain the genuine Aurora parts.
AFX "Red Devil"
OHM Range: 14.5 - 15.4
Red Wire with Red Tips
OHM Range: 14.5 - 15.4
Red Wire with Red Tips
Usually found on AFX and/or early AFX magna-traction cars. There is some speculation on which cars contained this fairly rare arm, with some suggesting Canadian origination after Aurora's U.S. facilities had closed.
Whether intentional or not, the 4 Green (I think you meant Red?) Devil arms we've inspected all have the communtator plate slightly rotated counter-clockwise by 2-4 degrees (if viewed from bottom) leading to a slightly retarded timing curve, suggesting higher top end. This better than average arm can perform well when matched with either AFX Super II or Johnny Lightning magnets and a 14t cluster pinion.
Whether intentional or not, the 4 Green (I think you meant Red?) Devil arms we've inspected all have the communtator plate slightly rotated counter-clockwise by 2-4 degrees (if viewed from bottom) leading to a slightly retarded timing curve, suggesting higher top end. This better than average arm can perform well when matched with either AFX Super II or Johnny Lightning magnets and a 14t cluster pinion.
Specialty Cars (Drag Arm)
OHM Range: 7.0 - 7.5
Copper or Green Wire with Blue Tips
OHM Range: 7.0 - 7.5
Copper or Green Wire with Blue Tips
These are found in the AFX Specialty cars like Dragsters and Funny Cars. These cars had longer chassis that had a total of 4 gears and were usually pretty heavy.
Heavier gauge wire was used, so this arm tends to run hot. Stronger magnets and chassis or body colling considerations are a must if used for Enduro Road Racing. this arm can typically be used in heav customs or performance projects using weights or weight pans. apopular application is in HO Drag Racing, since the main characteristic is low end torque.
When road racing, this arm will launch your from a dead stop, but others will soon be pasing you due to its lack of top speed. You might consider it for road racing when on a very technical (lots of turns) track since it can really barrel out of a turn. You should realize that the A|FX specialty chassis this arm was found in came with large diameter wheels, with dragster tires having an O.D. of .500 (half an inch), so even though this arm typically isn't capable of high RPM, the taller tire provided the higher top end speed. If you are going to road race this arm, check our gearing discussion and consider going to a taller gearing profile to compensate for its lack of all-our RPM.
Heavier gauge wire was used, so this arm tends to run hot. Stronger magnets and chassis or body colling considerations are a must if used for Enduro Road Racing. this arm can typically be used in heav customs or performance projects using weights or weight pans. apopular application is in HO Drag Racing, since the main characteristic is low end torque.
When road racing, this arm will launch your from a dead stop, but others will soon be pasing you due to its lack of top speed. You might consider it for road racing when on a very technical (lots of turns) track since it can really barrel out of a turn. You should realize that the A|FX specialty chassis this arm was found in came with large diameter wheels, with dragster tires having an O.D. of .500 (half an inch), so even though this arm typically isn't capable of high RPM, the taller tire provided the higher top end speed. If you are going to road race this arm, check our gearing discussion and consider going to a taller gearing profile to compensate for its lack of all-our RPM.
Super II Quadralam
OHM Range: 4.0 - 4.5
Copper Wire with Black Tips
OHM Range: 4.0 - 4.5
Copper Wire with Black Tips
This arm is probably the most sought after Aurora factory arm. It is VERY fast (68,000 RPM @ 15V) and is unique as compared to the other available armatures, netting excellent top speeds while still providing low-end torque. This arm gets its name due to the fact that it has 4 laminates (lams) while other from Aurora offered 2 or even 1 lam.
Initially available in the early 1970's on the ill-fated and under-rated AFX Super II car, which also came with a special edition Aurora Black Chassis out-fitted with brush cups, chassis weights and unique armature gear plate, braided shoes and special guide pin straight from the factory.
The armature as Aurora produced it also sported a "double-wire wind", speial advance curve and had a special silver-plated commutator plate; all for $12 - $13 at the time! No longer in available as NOS, they still pop-up used on eBay every once in a while with complete cars going for around $200-$400.
A variant of this armature was used in the XLerator cars. Precision replicas of this armature are available via AG&G Hobby.
The Quadralam, built for the long straights!
Initially available in the early 1970's on the ill-fated and under-rated AFX Super II car, which also came with a special edition Aurora Black Chassis out-fitted with brush cups, chassis weights and unique armature gear plate, braided shoes and special guide pin straight from the factory.
The armature as Aurora produced it also sported a "double-wire wind", speial advance curve and had a special silver-plated commutator plate; all for $12 - $13 at the time! No longer in available as NOS, they still pop-up used on eBay every once in a while with complete cars going for around $200-$400.
A variant of this armature was used in the XLerator cars. Precision replicas of this armature are available via AG&G Hobby.
The Quadralam, built for the long straights!
Again, I would like to thank Front Range HO for this information.
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