Recently my latest batch of "junk" locomotives arrived, and amongst them was a Lionel GP7 from about 1957. Like many other mass market H0 locomotives from this period, it uses that accursed rubber band drive (which, I promise, will be the subject of its own entry).
This is my third Lionel H0 locomotive, and the first diesel. It's low on some crucial detail, lacking handrails (or even a way to install them), and comes with ALCO style trucks instead of Blomberg. At some point in this models life someone attempted to repaint it - this was originally New York Central (I suspect the flat red paint is old Pactra, it certainly looks it. I need to find a way to remove it, however).
But I want this model to run. I was surprised it was as complete as it was, with only one truck needing to be replaced. A few dollars later, a replacement was ordered (hat tip to Henry at Close Out Trains of New Jersey).
Still, there is the problem of replacing those blasted "belts".
I know that #10 rubber bands might work, but I worry about binding. The other problem is simply the act of installing them. Each truck has what appear to be nylon clips holding the truck drive shafts in place. Nylon gets incredibly brittle with age, and I am rather concerned that trying to pry them off will cause them to break.
Yet I truly want to give this a try.
The motor is still strong, and the lights (amazing things, really!) work fine.
Once I get this beast running, I will of course share here.
I found a package of 25 black HO Locomotive drive bands sold by Scale Railroader on eBay. I used them to restore an Athearn Brown Box (Hi-F) locomotive (video coming soon.) They seem to work well so far.
ReplyDeleteBefore that, I used Goody hair bands. The original package I purchased were made out of black rubber and did dry rot after a period of time. Today, I can only find the clear ones at Wall-Mart and elsewhere, have not tried them out yet.
Finally, I have heard that the rubber bands that used with dental braces work. Not tried these yet either. Best of success in your restoration.
Mornin'!
DeleteI've used the dental braces ones on Lone Star "Treble-O" locomotives (I still have one!), but not the larger sizes. There was a feller on eBay who sold right, proper Lionel style belts, but I find them too slick. When I'm out and about today I'm going to check a couple of places.
Good hearin' from ya!