So, I understand that P2K GP-models (I have their GP7, GP30 and GP38-2) have problems with cracked gears. Where might I be able to get gears that aren’t cracked to replace the ones I have now?
Are there any other issues with the GP’s?
Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
-Mike
You can contact Walthers and they will send you replacements.
Athearn gears will also work. I don’t have the part number handy, but if you search the forums I’m sure you’ll find it since this has been discussed many times.
I’m aware of two other P2K GP problems. One is that they may develop a screech in the gear towers. It’s caused by dry worm gear bushings, and the only way to really fix it is to disassemble and grease them. In severe cases you may have to replace the bushings and/or worm shaft. I think this is more prevalent in the GP7/9’s than in other models.
The other problem I know of (I think) only affects some GP38’s, and only if you install a DCC decoder. The number boards may be wired incorrectly. Check the Tony’s Trains Web site, I believe he has posted an advisory on this.
HTH,
Steve
I used the gears from an Athearn Blue Box F7 in my Proto 2000 GP30. It runs fine.
The GP38-2 should not have any axle problems. It uses a different truck design.
The GP7-9-18-30 used an Athearn clone truck. The axle gears shrink over time, and the gears crack. Walthers will send replacements. They come in a plastic bag, two axle assemblies (wheels, axle bearings, gears, all pre-assembled) per bag. Bag is printed “Tune up kit”.
The P2K sideframes were not the best. However, being an Athearn clone, Athearn Blomberg sideframes fit right in. Probably the best sideframes around.
The diode drop circuit board causes them to run slow on DC. You could bypass it, and wire in 12v bulbs or LEDs. DCC may help, but I haven’t done it on my engines to see how much work it is to change over.
The newer production P2K locomotives doesn’t appear to have the old crack gear issues like the earlier production runs of the GP7/9/18/30.I have heard of isolated cases of the NEW GP30 having crack gears but,only know of 1 case that I can actually conform-I showed the guy(a fellow club member) how to replace the gears…
Regardless of production year the P2K locos suffer from the old “gear ratio of the month club” gear ratios between locomotive types…Why LL didn’t use the standard 14:1 ratio on ALL their P2K locomotives is a mystery.[?]