Ok, it isn’t that urgent, but I need some information.
Did Proto/LL produce a (FA-1, FA-2) in Western Maryland Speedlettering colors, specifically numbered 303 (or something similar)? Item number? Pics would be appreciated.
I found a Western Maryland (FA-1, FA-2) in Speedlettering colors letered for the 303. It appears to be a Proto 2000 engine, as I can see a fan in the top of the engine (remember, the FA-1’s did have a powered fan) and it almost looks like “LIFE-LIKE” on the bottom of the engine. I have the option to buy it, but I want to be sure first.
I don’t recall if LL made a WM FA or not (I think they did). However, the FA-2’s are the one that had the powered fan…the FA-1’s did not.
Also, the FA-2’s are longer and have a smaller recessed radiator grill…the FA-1’s are shorter and have a bigger grill that is mounted flush with the car body.
Which ever one it is, make sure you run it first. These sometimes have a split axle gear that causes a noticable thumping sound to emit from the trucks. Replacement gears are available, but it may effect the price…
I found out that they did indeed produce WM FA-2’s. They were both A units, in numbers 302, and 303 (just happen to be the numbers of the only surviving WM FA-2’s).
So that is the sound that comes out of the P2K GP-30 and the BL2. I’ll have to see if I can get replacements for them.
Yep, it’s the split axle gear. The reason is that these all use the typical Athearn-type split axle drivers held together with the plastic gear/axle. In the old days, these used to slip when under a load (depends in the age, etc.). IMHO, P2K reduced the inside diameter of their Athearn knock off gears where the axle shafts go. This improved the friction fit so that they wouldn’t slip.
Unfortunately, they did not strengthen the plastic material, meaning that these parts are now under a stress they aren’t designed for, and therefore tend to split over time.
Replacement gears from Athearn are available…and from LL last I checked (but Walthers is not having an easy time of finding LL parts, so I’ve heard).