I have several RDC’s, all of them are the old rubberband drive types. I want to replace the old drive with a geared system so that they will all run equally smooth and I could MU them like the prototype! I have never done a retrofit or replacement project of this magnitude, but am willing to try. If anyone has experience in this department, your input would be welcome!
Also, which manufacturer has the best stuff for this application?
Unless you have a special reason to keep those old Athearn RDCs, it is usually cheaper and more satisfying to find one of the newer P1K RDCs and go from there.
I feel your pain on this one! The rubber band Athearn RDC’s really need help. NWSL (Northwest Short Line) used to make a gear drive conversion for these and it was very nice. Installation of the drive was to replace the trucks with the power assembly and wasn’t too difficult. I don’t know the availability of this conversion at this time. NWSL was recently bought out by someone so if it is still a production item it should be available.Look on the Walthers website or check out ebay.
Personally, the Athearn RDC wasn’t too swift looks wise. It was too short so it could run reasonably well on train set curves of 18" radius. Life Like produced the RDC in at least three versions in their Proto 1000 line. I have an RDC-3 that I got from an internet hobby shop for $19.95. It’s the correct length and runs like a dream. The drive from NWSL will cost much more than a pair of (or maybe 3) of the P1K’s.
Good luck with the project!
Roger
Thanks, I think I was more or less ready for that answer from the get go… I guess I could use them as “Static” displays, just dress them up (i.e. new paint job and SEPTA decals, they are currently the Reading Seashore Line) and put them on a track next to an Engine Servicing Facility… (of which I have yet to design, but now have the excuse as to why I need one!!!)
I am attempting to model the New Hope & Ivyland RR, as well as SEPTA (SouthEastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). I don’t have all the info, but I know that the only foreign road connection to the NH&I RR is via the SEPTA line running from Warminster, PA into Philadelphia. So I wanted to model both companys…
I have a couple of other posts floating around, searching for more info on either company. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!
I have had a hard time finding the P1K or even the P2K’s in my local hobby shops, most of them have had the old rubberband drive (hence the reason I have them I guess) I’ll have to start seriously looking online…
Thanks for the info!
An absolute steal from Trainworld…
http://www.trainworld.com/lifelike/lifelike_proto.htm
…absolute steal. You get WAY more than you pay for…
David B
You could Add a flywheel and some lead weight if you can’t find the NWSL gear sets
it will improve performance somewhat
NWSL makes…or at least, used to make…a powered truck designed to re-power the Athearn RDC. I think I have one still in the package somewhere. When the Life-Like RDCs came out I got an RDC-3 and never looked back to the old Athearn RDC. I think the NWSL replacement was maybe $30 - more than a new LL RDC from TrainWorld.
wooopp waitaminute, Ernst is the direction you wanna go, full regear kit.
http://www.interstellarenterprises.com/259m.htm
should be at walthers, put the hustler one on my hustler which will turn into a 4 wheel boxcab electric, runs slow and great and the boxcab body is heavy! good puller.
Ditto all above!!! One possible use, remove the motor & rubber band and mu it to a Proto to run as a 2 car consist - only problem is 2 different lengths, but it’s a possible use.[%-)]
Way back when they came out in either '57 or '58 a guy did an article in MR about how to extend the length and make them scale length. It took two shells to do. He also added some detail like chains across the end doors. If you are willing to canabalize them you could make a couple scale length to match the current full length versions available.
Here we go again! This very subject was well hashed out in the past two weeks!
Maybe we need a “sticky” thread for rubber band powered RDC’s, and others? Also one for “how do I post photos?”, and “what’s a good airbrush?”. Over and over and over and over and over they come!
By the way I believe the NWSL powering trucks for the RDC (called PDT’s - Pretty Darn Tiny!) were closer to $80.00 each than the $30.00 mentioned. For a $10.00 Athearn RDC when you can get a fully detailed, proper length, interior equipped Proto 1000 one for $25.00 or so???
Thanks to all who have posted! I have pretty much decided to go with the P1K’s!!! As mentioned above, I’m still going to have the Athearn’s on my layout… This will save me time (and money) for other projects and models that I will need to purchase to start my layout…