I'm attempting to replace a Sanyo LB1256 (which drives a small thermal printer - Seiko MTP201) with some more common components and would like some advice with regards to device selection.

The LB1256 datasheet:
http://www.dtownservers.com/demos/LB1256.pdf

This part basically contains 7 darlington drivers (for the printer dots) and a motor on\off with brake.

I believe the 7 darlingtons can be replaced directly with a ULN2003. And the motor control portion can be replaced with two NPN darlingtons, a few resistors, and a clamp diode.

I have three questions:

1) What NPN darlington would be a good (cheap) choice? Seems like there are a billion of them.

2) Would any old diode, like a 1N4001 perform the necessary clamp function?

Thank you very much
Don Tasos