Quality of P2K GP20s

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am considering buying some new older stock Life Like Proto 2000 GP20s. I have never owned any P2K locos so I was wondering if some of you have these GP20s and can tell me if they are of good quality. How well do they run. I have heard of the cracked gear problem with some P2K items and was wondering if these engines were made in the time frame that was a problem. If it matter, I would be getting Santa Fe GP20s, I do not know the stock numbers.

Thanks for any info.

2

I own 2 P2K GP20’s , I have had both for several years , and no problems both are good runners .

3

I have 4, GP-20 is one of my favorite prototypes. I did have the cracked gear problem but Walthers immediately replaced them, they replaced all 4 axles, not just the cracked ones. Mine didn’t crack for several years (last year) and absolutely no problems with Walthers replacing them. I like the detail and they are very good performers.

Rick

4

The cracked axle gears were a problem on the older P2K 4-axle locos. If you’re getting old new stock, it likely will have this problem. You can get replacements from Walthers, but the generic Athearn axle gears are also a drop-in replacement.

http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH60024

Available at many hobby shops and online retailers.