GP38 -2

[Anonymous]

I recently bought three secondhand Athearn GP38-2's. When iIgot them I noticed that the outer brake shoes and the relevent brake cylinders were missing on all the bogies. The locos were PWRS repaints (CP Rail). I have looked at ref photos on the web and all the GP38-2 CP rail Photos I have seen have these brakes and cylinder in place.....My query is then (eventually) does anyone know if I can buy replacement brakes and cylinders and if they can be refitted on Athearn locos. I don't really want to replace whole bogies so any comments appreciated. I am in Scotland but I can get access to Athearn parts.
Thanks
John

[bogp40]

John,
Make sure that you have the proper truck sideframes. Athearn sideframes press on to the truck no need to change "bogies" as you call them. I believe from your description you are looking to have Blomberg B sideframes, If that is the case you need to change them out. If parts are a problem in Scotland ,try some of the classified ads in MR first, before on line hunting.
Bob K.

[CP5415]

Email Athearn directly.
[e-mail]
They will ship parts direct to you.
You just need to figure out what you need that's all. Most likely the sideframe set, which is in the "part bag" which I think includes the struts.
The part# for this is 75119 about $9.00 US
This should include the parts you need for one locomotive.

Gordon

[cwclark]

you can get parts for them but guess what?...they are going to cost about as much as the engine itself...I had to buy a new truck from athearn that i ruined with glue one time and it cost $5.00 less for the parts then the entire (new) engine cost...Chuck

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys,
Wow!! Thanks for the prompt replies.......I will take time to read them and decide what to do next. Apologies for mixing up 'trucks' and 'bogies'[:D][:D]. What's that they say about countries being divided by a common language?? LOL[:)]
Cheers
John

[Anonymous]

Hi CP5415,
How sure are you that the correct (4 brake shoe) sideframes are in this pack? I don't doubt you by the way it is just that incredibly Athearn parts dept don't seem to know what's what. I contacted them explaining what I wanted. Loads of e mails later I am really confused and no further forward. I am getting toward risking $9.00 just to see what appears[:)] !!!

Cheers

John

[Anonymous]

you can also check out ebay. i just bought handrails for an athearn gp40 there. cheaper than from athearn!

[Anonymous]

The GP38-2 had Blomberg B or Blomberg M. This web site http://www.rosterpix.com/ has lots of GP38-2 pictures which will help you detail yours the way you want. The Athearn number for the B is 42012. Suggested retail is $3. The M is offered by Smokey Valley. Their site is http://www.smokeyvalley.com/ and the part number is 90. Suggested retail is $9. I've gotten alot of my Athearn parts from ehobbies since the Horizon deal. Others might chime in on where they've been getting there bits lately.

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for that....I'll get on it. Appreciate the help.
Regards
John