Anybody have an idea about what can be used from the local hardware store (etc) to make substitute motor brushes for athearn grey (jet) and gold (1980s, say) motors? And/or a source for tiny springs (for same) as well?
Mike
Have you tried Athearn's Parts Department? They have a very extensive listing of spare parts on their web site.
http://www.athearn.com and then click on "Parts" near the top of the page.
I doubt that any local hardware store is going to have anything close to fitting an Athearn motor.
Don't know which motors these fit, but: http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?CatId=THCR&SearchTerm=brush
Edit: Here's a part diagram for the Jet motor: http://www.hoseeker.org/assemblyexplosionAthearn/athearnmotors8400085000.jpg
All the Athearn motor brushes and springs work with all the BB "Jet" motors.. Yeah and I would agree this isn't something you'll find in a hardware store. You can call or email Athearn to order them. The other option is to pick up an Athearn junker at a train show with it's motor intact.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums