I’ve got a few old Athearn rubber band drive RDCs and I was wondering if anyone has any information on how to repower them with a modern flywheel system?
I usually use Kato motors when I repower so I’ve got a few of those around the bench.
Check Northwest short lines web page, www.nwsl.com. They have a thing called a PDT for the RDC. Basicly its a self powered truck. The online catalog says its discontinued, but its from 2 years ago and I understand that they have been re-released since then.
For less than the cost of the PDT you could buy a new Life Like RDC with the proper length (the Athearns are too short), with a new motor, flywheel, lights at both ends, interior seating, DCC ready, etc. Trainworld is currently offering them for $19.95.
Bob Boudreau
Canada
I have to agree with Bob, it’s your best bet. However if you want a challenge Ernst Manufacturing Inc.
Walthers Mfg #259 makes a gear kit for $12.00 plus shipping.
This is designed for the newer style Athearn motor with a 1/8" shaft.
If you just need new bands, Athearn part #90101 for $3.60 + shipping. I think my LHS still has a pack. If you want I can buy them for you.
IMO, go with Bob’s suggestion.
You could also try a couple of Tenshodo SPUDs or Black Beetle power trucks - it’ll be expensive but would allow you to fit a full interior.
As said before, I’d suggest buying a new Proto 1k RDC instead. However, if the old Athearn one has sentimental value then SPUDs might be worth a look for re-motoring it. Also, the Under-Scale-Length nature of the Athearn model lends itself well to smaller layouts.
I already have TONS of the great running Life Like RDCs, but these Athearns were my grandfather’s and I wanna get em running with my DCC, I think I’m going to try out the gear kit, lol I’m pretty sure I could get it to work, otherwise I’m working on a way to install a Kato motor, and Athearn driveshaft into the units, replacing the trucks with new ones along the way. Thanks for all the feedback.