I’m giving my MTH RK PA1 (30-2244-1) it’s 2000 scale mile maintenance. I’ve never seen the rubber bands that hold wires to the motors perish, but I guess 19 years is a good lifespan for a rubber band. There is actually a parts list for this loco and it includes a part number (BI-4500004) for the rubber band.
I’m wondering if anyone bothers to replace them. It doesn’t seem like they do much except maybe keep the wires out of the way during assembly.
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I would use some small cable zip-ties. They're available in various sizes from hardware stores.
Rusty
Zip ties rule!
@Tinplate Art posted:Zip ties rule!
Only "tiny" caveat is insuring the the bulky tie wrap holding nub (I'm sure theres a name for it just like that little plastic tripod used to keep pizza lid off the pizza
https://daily.social/pizza-sav...now-what-its-called/)
does not interfere with engine shell closure or blocks something mechanical when zipped tight in place. 
Its there for strain relief on the connection. So the twisting of the motor doesnt flex the solder joint as it moves. Any rubberband, ziptie or probably even piece of tape would do the job. Even a dead traction tire if its just stretched out and not disintegrating.
I have successfully used those very small zip ties in a number of train applications with no problems. Works for me! :-)
Strain relief makes sense. I installed wire ties. Thanks for the idea Rusty.
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