I need to get a rubber band drive substitute. The rubber bands I can buy at common office supplies stores here in Manila are to big. Is there a way I can cut them up and make them smaller? BTW, I’ll be using them on a discontinued Athearn RDC(which I think still looks handsome even if it isn’t a precise model).
Have you ever heard of Ernst Gearing?
I am sure if someone here knows were they are they might help.
I am in N-scale so dont have much contact. the hustler was one of the Kits I remember.
Doug
In an unstretched oval position, mine measure 5/8"
and when installed measure 1 1/8" to 1/1/4"
Thanks for the effort. I really appreciate it. I think I may already have a solution. The person who suggested the rubber bands used in braces is a viable option. I have an uncle who is a dentist and I believe he has a lot in stock. I think he can still even buy some from dental supplies.
at one time small rubber bands were used by dentists as part of some braces – probably not any longer. They used to work in my Athearn hustler when I was a kid (my sister had braces).
I am pretty sure Athearn still offers the right size of rubber band.
I bot some from my local hobby shop a few years back.
I will call them & see if they have any left.
Assuming HO here.
My hobby shop is out. They say they can order them.
Probably .50 cents a piece plus their handling etc. If you want me to order and reship to you no problem
Should order extras.
my dad has an athearn F7 and a hustler and i recently picked up an old hustler on my own. i think the older athearn motors sound great so i really wanted to get them running again. at first i couldn’t find the right rubber bands, and i had braces, so i actualy did use those rubber bands. but i found that they were way too tight. they work, but i think they will wear the motor down. i recently found authentic athearn rubber bands at a local hobby shop, so they are out there. also at this hobby shop they offer a service to put in a modern drive SPECIFICALLY for old athearn rdc’s.
my problem is i have the rubber bands, but i don’t have enough of the old athearn wheels, with the large black spacer between the wheels. has anyone seen these out there or does anyone know where to get them?
have you though of using an O ring soft ones will strech to fit good luck .