A few random observations.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

This AM I set up a section of test track to check out a few engines I have bought since dismantling the old layout, and in doing said testing I made a few observations.

I love the new PCM Y6b. Looks gorgeous. Hard to tell about running in 6", but so far so good. The chuff sound is great; it does sound more like a Y6b (I was afraid it was going to be a Class A warmed over), and the whistle is very good too. I do wish someone would realize that the axle ends on prototype engines WERE painted. I feel the loco, aux. tender, and DC control box package deal was a fairly good deal at that. I am not sure the tender needs to be that heavy for real good sound. Excellent paint job. Already jewelled marker lights, amazing !

Bachmann should have won some kind of award for their auxiliary tenders. Even if they did kill a big piece of the brass aux. tender market. The BLI aux. tender does not look any better to me than Bachmann’s, but that is not saying either one looks bad.

I am going to miss LifeLike, and their parts policy. I got another P2K 2-8-8-2, which I also love, and one ladder is bent. I can/will have to fix it, but once upon a time… All the P2K Heritage steam engines I have, or I that have seen, are great.

I really like the P2K E8 in C&O colors, and even the Mars light is cool. Two of these things might be the hardest pullers I have ever owned.

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Vigrinian,

I totally agree about the P2K E units. They’re great pullers and heavy. The blinking Mars light is “O.K”, but I like the realistic Mars effect seen on the BLI locomotives and the kits from Richmond Controls.

Curious. P2K’s parts policy?

Wasn’t it similar to Walthers? If you encountered a defective part on a newly purchased locomotive, they would send a replacement part either free or incredibly cheap “no questions asked”.

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I’ll have to agree with Antonio on this issue…I purchased 9 used GP7 & GP9 locomotives and they had the famous cracked gear problem. I called Walthers and they replaced every axle and gear set, no questions asked. I even insisted on paying since I purchased them used, but the rep stated that Walthers will stand behind the product as Life-Like did.

Don Z.

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Just out of curiosity, what are the tell tale signs of a cracked gear in a P2K unit?

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Don Z-That’s impressive warrenty policy. I wonder if Walthers will replace the pancake motor in my old LL F9?[:D]

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A rhythmic metallic tap, tap, tap as the loco travels at slow speed.

Jim

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The cracked gears made my locos sound like they had a flat spot on the wheels…thump, thump, thump…I guess I never thought to look at them having built-in sound effects…[swg]

Don Z.

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Don’t forget Athearn axles will work on most P2K units as well. On my next trip to my LHS I’ll probably purchase quite a few since I plan on buying some more P2K Geeps on Ebay.

As much as some modelers complain that the “opening cab doors” are dimensionally inaccurate, I very much like that feature about the older P2K hood units.