I have 3 or 4 Proto 2K GP-7's and FA uniits that have been sitting in storage for 2-3 years. I took them out a while ago to run on my new trackage and was very disappointed in how they ran. All of them have a clicking sound and don't run as smooth as my other engines. I read on one of the postings recently (don't rememeber which one?) about split or cracked gears on P2K locos and wondered if that could be my problem. It seemed as though the post was implying that this was a common problem with P2K engines. How do you tell if the gear(s) are cracked and is it a big job to replace them? I have never taken one of these apart. Any comments would be appreciated. I did run these on a test track when first purchased and they seemed fine then. Can the gears just crack from sitting?
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Robert,
First off, nice NYC RS in your avatar.
The cracked/split gear issue you are probably experiencing was more common with older Proto 2000 locomotives - i.e. before they were bought by Walthers. I have not heard of anyone experiencing this issue with any of the newer offerings.
I would contact Walthers for replacement gears. My understanding is that it's a fairly straightforward and simple operation to swap them out. Supposedly, Athearn gears are suitable replacements, as well.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The signs of a cracked gear are more a thumping noise than clicking. One way to know for sure is to turn the loco upside down and see if any of the wheels can be spun with your finger. If any wheel spins rather freely, that axle has a cracked gear.
The cracked gear problem was most prevalent in P2K locos that were made when Life-Like owned them. Nearly all of the BL2 models had this problem.
If you can't get replacement gears from Walthers, they are Athearn part number 60024. Athearn gears do not suffer from splitting like the P2K gears did.
Changing gears is rather simple. Pry the bottom cover off of the truck, remove the wheelset, pull the wheels out of the old gear and put them into the new gear, and reassemble.
I have 4 Proto 2000 BL 2's and ever one had cracked gears! I have all so used the Athearn ATH60024, there are 6 gears per bag with this part number. Slip a small screw driver under the gear cover, wiggle to both sides till you get part of the side cover off and then pry up. First time you will think you are going to break the cover, more than likely you wont. I have never broke one.
Cuda ken
I hate Rust
Mine are the older ones before Walthers took over. I will try your advice and remove the gear covers and see what I find. I guess my description of the sound it makes is more like a thump and there is a definate thump 'vibration'. Since I have at least 3 engines with this problem I will order a pack of the Athearn gears. thanks for your help.
For three engines, you're going to need at least two and possibly three packages of Athearn gears. If you have a local hobby shop, check there and see if they have the Athearn gears in stock or can order them for you.
A package of gears contains six and will re-equip only one SD or other six axle locomotive. While you've got the bottom cover off, change all of the gears even if they are not cracked.
farrellaa ...... Can the gears just crack from sitting?
...... Can the gears just crack from sitting?
Yes; the cracking is due to colder temperatures, the plastic gear shrinks faster than the metal hub. The hub has to be properly preheated during the molding process, the resin properly dried (hard to do in southern China due to high humidity), and the all of the dimension properly engineered to prevent cracking, and even then, if the molded assembly goes below a certain temperature (dependent on the above), they will crack.
Athearn has also had some cracked gears, probably when they moved production to China, and they did not get the process dialed in immediately.
NWSL also has replacements, they are machined and assembled, expensive. At this same time, you may want to consider going with NWSL and .088" treads which look much better than the original .110" treads - scale is .064" but your track has to be perfect for them. .088" works well on most layouts.
farrellaaSince I have at least 3 engines with this problem I will order a pack of the Athearn gears
Farrellaa, when you check the gears, flex them. Sometimes the cracks will not stand out till you stress them. This would all so be a good time to replaces the wheels as well.
Cuda Ken
nfmisso farrellaa ...... Can the gears just crack from sitting? Yes; the cracking is due to colder temperatures,
Yes; the cracking is due to colder temperatures,
Well, that's part of the explanation I have from the experts. I have a response from Jerry Roy or Randy at Walthers couple of years back that explained the problem as an incorrectly set drill on one machine in the Life-Like plant back in time. This machine routinely spit out gears with undersized axle holes. That is why you can have a loco with 1 to 6 cracked axle gears (when they arrive from a secondhand auction for example). Moreover, a loco sitting for a while can develop a cracked axle just as the temperature and humitity cause that undersized gear (only that one) to pop. Now, not all the gears made at the time are affected......only the ones from one machine......so it is the luck of the draw if your loco will end up with none or all, or some combination of gears that are or will crack.
Every old model P2K I have has had the problem....not any particular model. I have had old P2K locos with no problem and ones with all axles split.
And has been pointed out, the repair is very easy. It is best to keep a good number of the Athearn gears on hand ....a couple of dozen for example. BTW, you just push the old wheel sets on these with a little twisting, and be sure to check them with your wheel gauge.
Walthers will sell you an entire set of new wheels with the gears already mounted for $3 per pair. This is necessary ONLY if you want new wheels. Otherwise you can get the six Athearn gears from your hobby shop for $2 or so and DIY six axles for less.