No. Rubber isn't what it used to be. All my K-Line streamline diaphragms are gooey. Yet just yesterday I unpacked my sixty year old HO Walthers "Pug" cars, and the diaphragms are still pliable and not sticky. Don't get me started on Piper Cub tires and tubes . . .
Try the Walthers/Scale City method: black construction paper folded into an accordion. Those last a very long time, and do not get sticky.