I’m thinking of purchasing the USA Trains GP 38-2. Does anybody have any advise for me on this particular product? I’ve gone to the USA Trains web site, but it’s not very helpful in determining things I need to know, like can I convert later to battery/RC, can I add electronic gizmos like sound and such? What is the minimum radius the engine can handle?
Any comments on quality and/ or durability? I like the way it looks, and the price is very reasonable, just need some input from the “experts”.
I can recommend the GP-38 having converted many to battery R/C and sound.
About the only thing wrong with them is that it is likely the plastic axles either side of the gear that hold the metal axles and wheels in place will be cracked.
Everyone I have done so far has been cracked.
Not to worry.
You can get free replacements from USA Trains or you can fix the cracked ones yourself. Not hard to do.
After they are fixed the GP-38 will run smoothly and quietly.
Like most battery R/C conversions I do I remove the smoke units as they draw a lot of power from the batteries and take up valuable space inside the body shell.
GP-38-2
This is the first run unit, its been converted to battery/rc. I just realized that I don’t have to many photos of this one. I usually run it with my GP9 as road switchers picking up cars along the line.
I don’t like the rubber ties. I think this is my only USAT loco that has not lost all its ties and had the wheels replaced with steel ones.
I also take this set of engines to open houses because it does handle tight curves well and is weathered and sound unit.
Jack,
For the price I would not hesitate to order one. USA’s stuff is quite nice from what I have purchased. Let us know what you decide. Later eh…Brian.
Never regretted buying mine T-Jack, ran very well straight out of the box and has continued to do so. Looks good as well! I don’t have a lot of cars to make it work hard so Marty would be your man to answer loading questions.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup}
I was thinking of getting the Rotary snow plow, I was hooked when I saw Martys plow, and the GP7. I scratch build most of my rolling stock and was wondering if there is any concerns with the couplers fitting with other makers, like Aristo…?
Hey thanks all! Sounds like this is a great engine to run on my industrial expansion. I like the Norfolk Southern unit (of course) and with a little weathering and sound it should work out just fine. I was concerned about the quality because the price is under $200, but this unit is a winner. I’ll order one today. Thanks again!
