im in the market for a decent road switcher for a new layout thatwill be n scale. Seems like the lifelike gp-38 is pretty cheap these days both on ebay and some online retailers. Any one has experience with them? are they any good?
There are two generations of the LL GP38-2. The first was a cheap train set version made several years ago. In my opinion it’s not worth more than a few bucks, and probably not worth it if you are looking for quality.
The second version is a recent re-release with an updated mechanism. From what I’ve heard it’s up to snuff with the current offerings from the Atlas line. It does lack a few shell details that those who are particular about detail will find hard to swallow (like a missing sight glass). But otherwise a very good loco.
The old LL Gp38 may be good if you get it CHEAP, like $10 or less. It had a decent motor. LL sold tons of them in the old trainset. It’s a 1980’s era model that deserves to be retired. Forget Ebay. I’d be concerned you would get somebody elses junk. Get something quality from a true LHS or ELHS.
Atlas will have the best GP38 when it is released. The new LL GP38 has a fine mechanism, but LL seems to have left out the sight glass on the long hood. This is a MAJOR spotting feature of the GP38’s that LL is trying to model. It is a big improvement over the old model. If you want a DECENT GP, get something from Atlas or Kato.