Proto 2000 gear replacement

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’ve read the past threads regarding replacing cracked gears on GP7 & GP9 units. I’ve ordered the Athearn #60024 replacement gears for the 9 GP units I own.

My question: I own 4 SD60 and 6 SD60M units that have been in a closet for close to 6 or 7 years. Should I as a precaution, plan on replacing those drive gears as well now that I’m building my layout and will soon be using those units? Has anyone had problems with cracked gears on SD or E units? How do I determine what replacement gear will fit? I tried searching the Walthers site for the Proto part number but get no results. What’s the trick for finding the correct axle? Thanks for your help.

Don Z.

2

I e-mailed Walthers service directly and explained the problem. They are standing behind the Life-Like products they’ve inherited. They will send you sets of GP-9 axles free of charge. When I wrote asking about other P1K and P2K engines, Larry sent back this information:

"The only locomotives that we have seen afflicted with spilt geared axles are those that use the 584408 axle, i.e.: BL, E8, FA1 & FA2, and the following GP series; 7, 9-II, 9-III, 18, 20 30 and 60. "

3

Thanks MrBeasley,

I guess I should plan on adding enough to my order to cover all of my E-Units also. I appreciate the information. I’m not sure if Walthers would send me free axles for the GP units since I bought them secondhand. The price I got them at allows me to pay for the new gears and still have a big smile on my face.

Don Z.

4

I aquired some P-2K GP-9s second hand and Walthers still sent me replacement parts.

James

5

James,

Did you simply call their 1-800 number and request the replacement parts? I wonder what they’ll say if I ask them for 36 axles…

Don Z.

6

Well, I called Walthers this morning, talked with Linda in the parts department and I now have 36 new sets of wheels and gears on order for my 9 Proto 2000 GP units, free of charge. Now that’s first class customer service! I even offered to pay for the parts since I bought the units second hand, but she said it didn’t matter, Walthers would stand behind the product.

I’m impressed!

Don Z.

7

I to must chime in on the cracked gear problem. Just bought 3 GP-9’s at a show, and had the gear issue. Called Walthers and they mailed out parts free of charge. What great customer service.

8

Are they sending you complete wheel/axle/gears???

If so, I wonder why? It is very easy to just change the cracked gear and re-use the wheels/axles.

9

msowsun,

I asked about buying the wheels because I figured if I’m refurbishing the locomotive, why not give it some shiny new wheels to run on? I was told the Proto 2000 part number includes axles, wheels and gears, so I wasn’t going to argue. I’ll take the new wheels for free, if theat’s what they want to ship to me. Why look a gifthorse in the mouth?

Don Z.