I may need to run a substitute driveshaft in an HO Rivarossi 2-8-8-2.
I have seen what appears to be Model Airplane fuel tube in ‘remotoring’ pictures.
Is this the stuff to use, or are there other materials that do the trick?
If fuel tube is the way to go, what ID should I be looking for to be able to get it on a 2mm gear shaft & are there subtelties in the type or brand of fuel tube used?
Also, what roughly is the longest distance between the ends of the motor or gear box shafts that are being connected can fuel tube be used before it doesn’t do the job due to flexing or whatever?
To keep it simple, latex or silicone fuel tube ( the really thick walled rubbery stuff) is all you need. Found at most LHS’s that deal with Gas Powered R/C Planes or Vehicles. As to the length, well the longer you can get it the better as long as it doesn’t bind on surrounding obstacles.
Back in the dark ages this stuff was called Neoprene. Don’t know what name(s) are valid today.
As Fergie said, the tube should be as long as any interfering structure will allow. OTOH, the metal shafts to be connected should almost touch. The tubing will only knot or twist up if there is too much space between the shaft ends.
(Which reminds me - I have a couple of locos which have had 40+ year old Neoprene tubing fail. Guess I’d better buy some.)
From personal experience I would NOT recommend the silicone tubing…that’s TOO flexible, and will tend to twist and end up binding against the frame or shell. It’s fine if the shafts to be connected ate about 1/8" apart or less, but for anything longer than that, you really need a stiffer material. Chuck hit the nail on the head with the Neoprene tubing. I couldn’t remember the name of the product, but I did remember that it was stiffer than silicone. If you have a good R/C hobby shop or even a small engine repair shop near you, you should be able to find it. Most places sell it by the foot, but you might be able to convince them to sell you a shorter length if you don’t want to have a bunch of it lying around afterwards.