Lionel Operating Sawmill Belt Substitute

I had the same issue with a sawmill that needed a new belt.    Not knowing where to get one at the time, I pulled out my package of many sizes of rubber bands and experimented with different sizes until I found one that worked.  A temporary fix I'm sure until the right belt can be found, as the original type will most likely be more durable.

It looks like East Coast Train Parts has the belt.

http://www.eastcoasttrainparts.../ECTP_Parts_List.pdf

I think he may be looking for the O ring belt, not the film belt?

I would look at all the usual suspects on the auction sites and the like.  Perhaps look for cassette deck drive belts and find one that's the right size, they are cheap and readily available.  

I looked up the parts list on Lionel's website and that drive mechanism looks like the same one used in a lot of their accessories - Coal Loader, Diesel Fueling Station, cranes etc.  I do not know why Lionel does not carry the belt for this since so many items use it and its a common wear item.  They only list the entire gearbox. 

The train tender has the belts.  Its part number:

I bet this will work even though the motor number has changed. (Unless Lionel redesigned the gearbox)

Thank you for all the response. I will try the rubber band approach while I try order P/N listed above.

Thanks

Mark

If you end up needing a 4147-46 belt, drop a line.

Lionel belts are standard turntable belts.  You can find any size here:

https://www.turntableneedles.com

For instance, the Lionel Nuke Plant uses a SBS2.4 Square Belt, Small 2.4 Inch.  Those run 3 bucks apiece from these guys.  Measure your belt and match it up.

After reading the suggestions it came to me to try a wheel tread tire of which I had several different sizes available. I was able to use a MTH diesel tire I had available and it works well. I am going to order the proper belt on next part order I make. Thanks for the part number!

I’ve had  good results using a traction tire for a steam engine wheel.

Are you talking the belt in the gearbox unit, or the one that drives the sawblade?

Mark,
I have the same problem.  Lionel lists the belt as: 6204147056 DRIVE BELT / OPERATING SAWMILL Use 6101207206, but notes it's not available. I looked for the part at Just Trains, and got this response from Dennis:
"For the one belt you need, which is actually a stem engine rubber tire, you can use PN 242-206
As found here:
https://store.justtrains.com/L...bber-Tire_p_501.html"

As noted in this thread, you can use a properly fitted traction tire. I have this item on order (from another source that is less expensive), and will let you know if it works.

Hope this helps,

Michael