After the original bands perished I attempted to replace them, not with much success’ In any case it never ran all that well. My question is: what is the best & most economical way to replace these drives? It is worth the effort as the body etc still looks good, & I painted it in ATSF Warbonnet colours.
Cheers, Ozzie
Thanks to brakie of this forum the Athearn part # is 90101. A pack of 24 bands for $3.60.
Also there is a regear kit by Ernst Manufacturing designed for the newer Athearn motor with a 1/8" shaft Walthers Mfg #259 for $12.00 + shipping.
Another alternative is replacing the whole unit. www.trainworld.com has a Proto 1,000 series .
#30582 RDC-1 for $30.00 and RDC2 & 3 each for $20.00 + shipping. They probably have a minimum $ order.
Trainworld does not have a minimum order amount. I recently purchased the RDC3 from them for $19.95 and it is nice. Got it in 3 days undamaged in road name ordered. Give them a try - they’re a first rate mail order firm.
Also, you can replace the Athearn drive w/ a geared set up from Ernst (sp?) last available from Walthers - I’ve done that (long time ago) and it was a pain in the butt to get sorted out. (they also make a conversion drive for the 180 mph Hustler, which is a tight fit, but once sorted out, transforms the little bugger into something you can actually use. . .
Personally, I agree w/ locomotive3 above and replace the whole Athearn RDC w/ the Proto1Ks at that price, because they are scale length, well detailed (requiring just a bit more to be great) and run far better than any rubber band drive ever will. I’d remove the Athearn motor and drive, hook them up behind a Proto 1K, and “pretend” they’re powered.
I have a fair amount of bands that fit mine when they melt or break, my problem now is that in a twist of fate the thick AXILS melted. is there someone who makes replacements for these?
NWSL should have axle replacements.
I would check with Athearn’s part depatment to see if they have the replacement wheels…I think the RDC’s was discontinued some time back…
The part you are looking for is: 90508 RDC WHEEL ASSEMBLY 2/$2.25.
thank you