McMaster

I got some from McMaster Carr.  https://www.mcmaster.com/roller-chain/miniature-roller-chain-and-links/

Paul

SDP-SI has a wide range

https://www.sdp-si.com/products/Chains-and-Sprockets/Index.php

I've used some in O scale drives. Never had one break. They have a wide range of sprocket sizes and a center-to-centre calculator if you want to experiment with drive ratios.  They can be noisy at higher revs but not too bad with careful adjustment in sound-equipped locos.

Pete

RE: Delrin Chain Drive for HO

Paul & Pete, thanks for the leads.  Now to figure out the gear ratios.

Gene

Micro Mark

I've used it and it works great.

https://www.micromark.com/Miniature-Drive-Chain-Price-Per-Foot

Bernd

Not sure a chain drive will work for HO locomotives??

Hi Gene, all,

I'm not sure that a chain drive will work for HO locomotives. A chain drive might work for an operating accessory, where you might have a bit more space.  The reason is that the amount of space required for the sprockets and chain. The smallest chain I'd found was just under 1/8" pitch. This was direct from the maker Serv-O-Link ( sprockets and chain datasheet) 

From the Servo-O-Link data sheet The smallest 8-tooth sprocket OD is about 0.37". Now assuming you close the distances between the sprockets down to the minimum, you are looking at more than 3/4" distance over the external dimensions of the sprockets. If you want to play with gearing by varying sprocket diameters, the external dimensions of the chain drive can blow out very quickly. Caution is advised. 

 The chain from McMaster  https://www.mcmaster.com/64225k72 looks very similar to Serv-O-Link chain. 

Here's my effort at an operating accessory using the Serv-O-Link chain. To keep the depth of the conveyor drive to an absolute minimum so that I had room for the conveyor flights, I was using the smallest 8-tooth sprockets.

For a HO locomotive, an O-ring drive option might fit in less space and give you more "gearing" options by varying the shaft and pulley diameters. 

For your consideration.  

Micro Mark chain

Hi Gene, all,

The chain available from Micro Mark is the Serv-O-Link chain.

I'd be very much guided by Bernd's experience using it as an effective locomotive drive option.

@John,

I gave it a try. It worked. I was surprised by how smooth it was. I had expected more of a cogging motion as the links went around the sprockets. Plus you need a bit more room for a high reduction ratio. I wouldn't advise using it for a fleet of engines. I'd stick with gearing. The chain would be good to use in animating a scene as you suggested in your first post.

Bernd

Modified Athearn F7 chassis with chain Drive reduction

Here's three pics of a modification I did to an Athearn F7 chassis to slow down the drive train. It was the beginning of a R/C + BOB (Battery On Board) project. Works pretty good.

Bernd

This any

This any help?

https://www.rapidonline.com/modelcraft-steel-roller-chain-523787

For Ray

Hi Ray, all,

The Rapid chain is probably going to be way too big for HO work - Their smallest 15-tooth sprocket is 31mm (1.25") diameter with an 8mm (0.3" approx) shaft diameter as opposed to smallest the Serv-o-Link 8 tooth sprocket and 1/8" shaft   - This is seriously industrial grade steel chain. 

Did I read that right...

Did I read that right... 18.00 per foot!

As you may or may not have noticed I manufacture and sell upgraded chain drives for O-Scale locos. See my signature. My source for gears and chain is Stock Drive products.

https://shop.sdp-si.com/catalog/product/?id=A_6M_7-12-010 Ten feet runs me about $81.00. If you need a short piece for testing let me know. I have about 8 feet in my shop.

Delrin gears & chain to use in repowering HO locomotives?

I've used delrin chain and sprockets in O scale engines but I think it would be pretty big for an HO engine. With all the HO drives and gear boxes available I don't see chain as being a very attractive option.What are you trying to re-power, maybe someone reading this thread has already done it? ....DaveB