K-line GP38 what curves can it take??

[daan]

Since I've found a nice looking K-line GP38 on ebay in germany, I would like to know if it can take 031 curves before I make a bid on it. I found a list of features for the Chessie system no 4043, but there is nowhere a remark about the curves it can handle. Does anyone on the board has a K-line GP38-2 (older version without sound) who can tell me if it's usable on my layout??

[Big_Boy_4005]

I have a C&NW one with TMCC, and it does 031 curves. It only has 4 wheel trucks so it shouldn't be a problem.

There is one thing about that engine that I don't really like. The pickup rollers are very heavily sprung, with a very long arm. They are set in a pocket in the bottom of the truck. Mine really has a habit of getting caught on switches and shorting out. I still need to work on this problem. I started by lining the pocket with electrical tape, and that helped a little. I have to figure out what it is getting hung up on.

[daan]

Thanks bigboy, that problem of the pickups shorting on the metal frame of the trucks can be solved with smaller rollers I guess. The most important thing is that it can handle the 031 curves.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Shorter armed rollers sound like a good idea Daan. I may just borrow a set from another non TMCC engine. By the way, the switches that are giving me trouble are not Lione. They're some old ones that match Gargraves, made by a company no longer in business.

Good luck bidding on that engine, but don't pay too much. If I remember correctly I picked up my TMCC version for under $200 USD. If the one you have your eye on is non TMCC, $125 - $150 USD would be a good price.

The answer to your original question about the curves is definately YES. I looked in the catalog to be sure.

[daan]

Well, the rpice asked is 199 euro's, so that's quite a heafty pricetag compared to your priceindication. I also asked the seller a few questions a few day's ago and didn't receive an answer yet, so I guess I'll better leave it then.
(I always ask something about the item first, the ones who answer prompt and correct I'll trade with, the ones not answering I'll not bid on anyway. I have very good experiences with some american ebayers)

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well Daan, I'm not really in tune with the Euro-market. Again I went to the catalog, and checked the prices. There are both command and non command versions of the GP-38. The Chessie must have been made in another year, because it isn't in the 2005 catalog, but that shouldn't really matter. Command version lists for $399.95 USD, non command $249.95 USD. I'm sure that there is some kind of import fee to bring it from the US to Europe, so my catalog prices don't reflect that.

Just for fun I went to eBay, and found a BNSF GP38-2, from a US seller who ships worldwide. It appears to be non command. Just under 2 days left, no bids yet, $200 USD opening price, and your shipping would be just under $27. It gives you something to compare with the other auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28139&item=5982267842&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[daan]

Thanks Bigboy, I've noticed that one too. The problem with us buy's is that the shipping is 30 dollars and the tax is 14% to clear the item and 19% for the item itself. Shipping included. So 200 dollars would make about 175 euro's plus 25 for shipping= 200 euro's and then the taxman comes in to get his part. 66 euro's, so 266 would be the endbill, about 300 dollars.
I'll leave it 'till something better comes up. The man didn't answer any questions at all, which is anoying to say the least. I wasn't looking for this loco specificly, and one day I want a fully loaded loco with sound and the whole bunch. Better put the money aside for that whish..
Thanx for your help!

[Big_Boy_4005]

I hear you Daan, I watch at least 30 items to every one that I bid on. Once I get around to bidding the odds of winning and buying increase substantially. I've only bid on 2 items in the last 6 months, and won one of them. The thing about eBay is patience. Your situation being outside the US makes it even more difficult. Hang in there, one will turn up at the right price eventually.[swg]

[daan]

Yep, patience is the holy grail with ebay.. Guess what, the action on the item has almost ended and no-one made a bid on it. Then the seller can answer my question with the excuse that he answered me via ebay a few times.. I didn't recieve any answer until this morning and other persons from germany did answer questions (also this week) within 24 hours..
I don't think that this man is an honest seller..