@gringene ooohhh I remember dismembering an old toy to get the motor out. Lots of fun! I was using it with Meccano rather than Lego though.
I also remember that at the time it sounded like the most interesting thing to do what's connecting the motor to the mains. I am sure your kids will be wiser, that didn't end well for the motor, although I had a nice pyrotechnics show in my room