Rubber band drive substitute?

[Anonymous]

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).

[dknelson]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

In an unstretched oval position, mine measure 5/8"
and when installed measure 1 1/8" to 1/1/4"

[Anonymous]

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?

[douginut]

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

[cookyy]

have you though of using an O ring soft ones will strech to fit good luck .