I have my eye on a proto 2000 GP 60. I know there were problems with the gears cracking and was wondering if this loco was one of those or if maybe it was resolved when this particular loco came out. Anyone have any knowledge on this. thanks
It’s specifically mentioned here:
Thank you for the reply. Maybe I’ll pass on this
I beleive Athearn makes wheelsets that can also drop in as replacements. Many well stocked hobby shops also keep a supply since the problem was so widespread and well known.
Because of the wheel problems those Proto2000 engines are often sold at attractive prices. If the loco is otherwise in good shape the cost of the wheel replacement might be modest and the end result is a good buy.
Dave Nelson
It’s not a hard or expensive fix, if it needs done at all. Not everyone experienced cracked gears.
This thread may help
My first Proto 2000 was an unused DCC E6. Although the cracked gear issue is mostly ascribed to the 4-axle units (at least from one period) my E6 had problem gears.
I then got into adding loco variety to my UP fleet and found that many P2K locos fit the bill in DC form and I started buying a number of unused (or slightly used) ones, many P2K and P1K, plus Kato, etc., to convert to DCC which has become a favorite project. I will take on any of the Protos knowing that I might have a cracked gear issue. It gives me more choices. I would (and will) gladly do it again.
So, before ignoring the GP60 (I do not have those) I would say just plan on replacing the gears. Many of the GP gear sizes are available on occasion from Walthers (current or from EBay) and/or the Athearn ones fit. It’s a simple procedure to change them and it is adviseable to tear it down and clean / re-lube the gearing anyway, so it’s little extra effort to get in “new” shape.
Recognize that some of the P2K and/or P1K gears and/or wheel sizes for other locos are different from the GP type that may be the most common. So you will want to know what gearing / wheel size (if changing axles) a particular loco needs.
I say go for it!
The ‘fear’ of cracked gears has put many P2K locos on eBay at prices far lower than other brand less detailed models. To my advantage. Passing because they might have cracked gears, which is a simple and cheap fix, is IMO foolish. GP60’s are too new for me, but I do have a bunch of GP7s. The far more crudely detail Atlas/Rock GP7s go for $100 or so on eBay, the P2K ones are $40 or less. I’ll take 2 of the P2Ks, plus buy some Athearn axle gears, and get 2 well detailed locos and have money left over, thank you very much.
–Randy
Most of my diesel fleet is Proto2000, and yes I have changed a few gears. Way back, LifeLike gave away lots of those replacement gears.
I have about 50 Proto2000 diesels, despite the occasional cracked gear, it is my prefered brand of diesel model.
And like Randy, I have picked up my share of bargains.
In the early days, LifeLike severely over produced these locos. That glut of product, combined with the cracked gear problem, put a lot of these locos in the bargain price catagory.
I am a DC operator, so nearly all my models are the DC versions, but a great many were purchased at prices like Randy describes. Stuff like ABBA sets of ALCO FA’s for $120…
Athearn replacement gears, part #ATH 60024, will fix any of the two axle trucks with split gears.
Sheldon
I have four Proto 2000 GP7/9 locomotives. Only one had cracked gears and it cost less than 10 dollars and 30 minutes to fix.
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No reason to avoid your GP60.
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-Kevin
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If they are the type where the wires go to a small board that plugs in to a larger board with a bunch of diodes - the gears on the other 3 WILL crack. I have a supply of the Athearn gears and I just swap them out when I take the loco apart to install a decoder and clean and lube the gearboxes, and do other detailing like painting the vertical handrails and adding Reading drip strips over the cab windows. And turn the crew figures around so they face the right way for Reading 
–Randy
If that Proto 2000 is a good price, I wouldn’t let fear of a cracked axle put you off of a good deal. The replacements won’t cost much and all you do is pop off the wheel gear cover and replace them - it’s fairly quick and easy.
And witht he Athearn gears they woon’t crack again, at least two of mine that have run up many hours of continuous running pulling heavy trains at club shows have shown no signs of any issues. I do nothing except periodically clean the wheels and redo lubrication with appropriate plastic-compatible oil and grease and they chug on much like their prototypes. One of those had a cracked gear right out of the box, the other was fine but I replaced them anyway so I wouldn;t have to later.
–Randy
I have GP60’s, GP38-2’s and other Proto 2000 engines and they all run well. Like others say, don’t let that fear hold you up. If you think about it, it can happen to almost any engine out there for an unknown reason.
Come to think of it, I need to go to Evil Bay to see if they have any more GP60 engines available… Need two more…
Neal
I decided to go for it and got the GP 60 I had my eye on. My LHS said they thought this one came out on a later run when the gear problem was fixed but they do stock the replacement gears and wheelsets if I need them. I have two proto 1000 RS2’s that i had to replace the gears on so I know what it is all about. The GP 60 is a beautiful loco and runs well. Got it at a great price too. Life is good.
You are lucky to have a well stocked LHS.
For those that might be interested in pre-installed DCC, I got an ad from Trainworld today. Fox Valley loksound DCC GP-60 $160 for Santa Fe, NS, Southern Pacific, BNSF and a war bonnet Santa Fe B unit for $120. Two different road numbers for each of the A units.
Can the cracked gears be fixed with a little glue?
No, you cannot glue nylon/delrin plastics.
Sheldon
I had a P2K GP7 that was stalling erratically. I discovered all for of the axle gears were cracked. I replaced them with athearn axles and it ran just fine. I did have to use a vice to press them on.
The athearn axels are they of any type of loco or can any fit?
I believe Athearn part #60024 is what you want. Easily found on Ebayif a local hobby shop doesn’t stock.