Walthers GP15-1

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey Everyone,

I’m looking at getting the Walther’s Proto 1000 GP15-1 in the BNSF paint scheme http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-35059. Its on sale right now and I really like it but want to here from you guys and your opinions of it. I have a 4x8 layout so I think it will be a good fit for it with its small wheelbase and I have dc so no need to get a decoder.

Thanks,

Taylor

2

Athearn is coming out with several GP-15s in their Genesis line later this year. I don’t think they’ve announced any in BNSF.

3

I have a couple Proto 1000 locomotives, and about the only difference I can tell between them and their Proto 2000 cousins is that the 2000s tend to have more detail. I believe they use the same drive mechanisms. Frankly, I like all of the Protos I have. They’re quiet, have great slow speed operation. I know that there were some gear issues with the Protos, but I think they’ve remedied that.

4

I have a P1K GP15-1 and it is a good quality locomotive, but it lacks the little grab irons that are at the ends of locomotives, which basically is what makes it a P1K instead of a P2K. No gear issues exist with this since this is a new drive system and Walthers has moved beyond that issue. It operates smoothly and quietly at low speeds but it will take about a 70 mph speed to get the lights to shine brightly on DC control. This is a shortcoming of many new locomotives from many manufactures, IMHO.

It is a good choice for a 4x8 and at 70 bucks on sale its probably worth it. I wouldn’t pay much more since price comparing other locomotives might yield a better deal.

5

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for all the comments! I’m glad to hear it runs smoothly and I can over look the lightbulb and the grab irons because the engine I have now is way worse on detail and everything else.

6

I’ve installed the directional constant lighting kits from Miniatronics in those locomotives that come with 12 volt bulbs (Walthers Trainline, DC Proto 1000s/2000s, and especially Athearn with that “light the layout” with the cab light).

7

Taylor, I am a big fan of Protos and think you will be as well. Very durable engines, after 400 plus hours I did finally have some that developed problems. Athearn RTR, 75 to 100 hours and then I was fixing them.

You might all so look into installing LED’s for light’s.

Cuda Ken

8

The P1K GP-15 has LEDs, but they do not light brightly. Somehow, the light board limits their illumination. The Walthers Trainline does not have LEDs. I’m not sure if aftermarket constant lighting circuits are compatible with locomotives that are now DCC ready.

I don’t think the OP is interested in the lights anyway.

9

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the help and Doughless its not that I don’t care, its just that like, its not a super big deal as long as it runs and works awesome. Thats all.[:)]