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Paul I
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 Posted - January 09 2008 : 5:54:47 PM
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[:(!] I have a TYCO box car #T326A It a animated one with the brakeman that moves on top. The rubber bands are missing, I need some help on how to fix it and some information on what drives it, I think its from the 50's.
I hope someone can help or a telephone number of someone who can.
Thank you
Paul I
PS I will send a photo when I get it hooked up
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pssinc
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Posted - November 01 2008 : 11:18:23 AM
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I have the same car and a similar question. Mine is missing the actual brakeman. I know that mine was purchased when I was a child around 1965-1966 or so.
I have not determined how to fix it but I think we have determined that there was a rubber band that went from one of the axles on the truck (the one truck has sort of rubberized axles) up through the body to one of the cross spindles. Then there was another rubber band that went from the cross spindle to the vertical spindle which drove the brakeman around the loop (one of these survived on mine). I don't know if he was attached to a 3rd rubber band around the vertical spindles or if there was a wire of some sort that went around the actual course at the top.
Hopefully this will help somewhat. I'd love to see a picture of the brakeman if you have one.
Thanks,
Steve
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Posted - November 01 2008 : 3:36:18 PM
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Your on the right track, there is a large rubber band across the top two spindles, to attach the brakeman the car is assembled and the rubber band has to be pulled out of the top of the car. The small hook on the brakemans foot can then be attached to the rubber band.
I have both the TH&B and the MStL cars, I have bought an assortment of rubber bands at a local drug store to repair the cars. It takes a little trial and error to find the right bands but it's possible to make the cars work. As for a brakeman, I think any HO scale figure will work. A decent sized staple straightened on one side, then heated and inserted into the foot of the figure might make a new brakeman.
Both of my cars were working but the bands have broken and it's time to replace the bands.
Hope tis helps.................Tom
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Posted - November 02 2008 : 9:46:26 PM
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I had sometime to start fixing the brakeman car. The first photo shows one side of the car with the rubber bands in place. The first rubber band to be installed is the band that connects the cross bar and the spindle. To attach the band remove the cross bar and spindle. Gently bend back the metal piece at the bottom of the spindle to remove it from it's mount. Place the band onto the spindle and replace it in it's mount. Take the crossbar and slide it throught the rubber band. Replace the crossbar. The second pic has a lame attempt on my part to add text to the pic for clarity.
 Attachment: bluebands1.JPG ( 397082bytes )
I think this file is to large to display but it downloads.
The next pic is of the bottom of the car to show the 2 bands on the axles of the trucks, followed by a shot of the spindle to crossbar band.
The next pic is of the car with the top band in place. This is the one the brakeman rides on.
To test the car prior to assembly I mark the rubber bands with a Sharpie and push the car on the track. Watch the marks on the bands to insure they are moving. If they are then proceed, if not the bands are be to tight. This is where the trial and error comes in. Work backwards from the top band, remove it and test again. If the axle and spindle bands are moving then the top band is to tight. Find a larger rubber band for the top. Follow this method and change any bands until all bands are moving.
The brakeman is attached after the car is assembled. After assembly find something to pull one side of the top rubber band out of the slot on top of the car. I use a dental pic, tweezers or someting of that nature might work. Carefully spread open the clip on the brakemans foot, slip the clip onto the rubber band and clamp it with pliers to secure the clip to the rubber band.
Now the brakeman is ready to hit the rails. Hope this helps anyone out there trying to fix this car.
The last pic is of the brakeman on top of the car which is unassembled.
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Pierce
Big Six
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Posted - November 03 2008 : 2:11:14 PM
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Paul/Everyone,
I have the exact Tyco replacement rubberband kit still new in the bag. I am sure the rubberbands are probly shot but I can measure them and give you lengths and thickness when I get home in 3 weeks. If you can not seem to find them I will look and see if I have anymore. Will post pictures of the kit when I get home.
Adam
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pssinc
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Posted - October 20 2009 : 11:58:02 PM
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Thanks for the pics. That does help. I'll have to take a shot at fixing mine again now.
Thanks,
Steve
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Posted - October 21 2009 : 11:28:53 AM
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rubber bands??  Wouldn't belts from a VCR or a tape deck work better?  or do they have to be rubber bands? Yes I like the car it reminds me of the Lionel Action Cars that are 027 
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