P2K GP38-2 shell onto a Bachmann frame?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Can anyone tell me if it’s possible to fit a Proto 2000 GP38-2 shell on a Bachmann or Athearn frame?

I had a bad accident with the frame - I lunged to save it falling to the floor, but I was too late, lost my balance and trod on it. The frame went out of shape, and when I tried to twist it back it started to break. I’m still pretty cranky with myself.

Mike

2

I’ve got the Proto GP38 but not the Bachmann or Athearn.

If you have Bachmann and Athearn frames, why not just give it a try and see if the Proto shell fits.

If not, you can alway buy a used Proto frame cheap on eBay.

Rich

3

Thanks Rich. I’ve been checking Ebay for Proto frames but haven’t been able to find any - only Bachmann.

Maybe there are some on there, but none available to me here in Australia.

4

Mike,I don’t think the P2K shell will fit the BB Athearn GP38-2 frame.Don’t know about the Genesis GP38-2 or the Bachmann frame since I have neither one.

I’ll toss this out and do with as you will…How about the P2K GP38-2 shell on a Atlas Trainman GP38-2 drive?

I do hope you keep us informed since such things is great information.

I’ll share this as food for thought…I bought a P2K Seaboard System GP38-2 off e-Bay for $50.00 BIN…You may want to consider that and keep the motor,gears etc from the broken frame for possible future repairs.

5

ahhh, down under, I overlooked that.

There are a whole bunch of used Proto 2000 GP38-2 locos on eBay but not sure who will ship to Australia.

Rich

6

The issue will be the shipping cost. The frame could ship first class for as little as $20. But, you take a risk that it will get lost. Priority will give you better tracking, but it will be around $40.

Larry

7

Ouch! That hurts…

Maybe a used GP38-2 on the local scene?

8

Good suggestions, thanks guys.

Yes the postage is the killer, and some sellers know how to charge.

Anyway, I think I’ll keep my eyes open for a 2nd hand one - perhaps some obscure railroad might be a touch cheaper.

Mike

9

Shipping is always a problem. A way around it is to find a number of items from on seller. Generally several things can ship for a similar price. When the package hoes over 4 pounds it has to go priority. Up to 4 pounds, if your shipping priority for the insurance and tracking the price is basically constant. Even up to 6 pounds the price will only go up about $10. So bundling a few items together can bring the shipping per item to a more reasonable amount. The trick is finding enough items that you want at a good total price. Larry

10

Some sellers have free shipping or fixed shipping, though some charge more to ship to other countries. My suggestion would be to look for sellers in your area/country. Also look at local sites like cragslist (not sure if they have that in Australia, but there should be something like it),