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Genesis vs Kato motor for re power

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  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,642 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Saturday, June 9, 2018 2:51 PM

I appreciate the info guys, thanks.

I have two P2K Seaboard Coast Line GP-9's and plan to upgrade them with DCC/Sound (one is in the photo below). I'm debating between LokSound and TCS-Wow. 

I prefer to repower them with smooth running motors that draw a low amount of current. I've been hearing, for years, that Kato motors rate high on the quality scale and will likely take this route if adapting them isn't too much of a headache. Wink

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


  • Member since
    February 2018
  • 66 posts
Posted by Eastrail11 on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 12:21 PM

riogrande5761

  

I've ordered muliple times per year from MBK over the last 10 years and have been very reliable and reputable and among the best discount vendors I have worked with.

They do tend to sell out of popular items so you just have to search and see if they have what you need.

 

It was better with the older website the new one replaced in my opinion, not meaning to throw the thread Off Topic

I would say Kato runs a tiny bit better, though I have only had a limited experience with athearn genesis locomotives. My Kato C44-9 runs beautifully. Maybe something else to think about is lighting, not really sure if it would matter with a motor replacement, but Kato used LEDs and Athearn used bulbs. May be useful to think ahead of you want DCC aswell. 

My few My 2 Cents

~Eastrail

~Eastrail

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 11:03 AM

mbinsewi

I guess I'll have to pay more attention to Model Train Stuff.  I've never bought anything from them.  They seem to be to "go to" place by everybody in here.

Mike.

I've ordered muliple times per year from MBK over the last 10 years and have been very reliable and reputable and among the best discount vendors I have worked with.

They do tend to sell out of popular items so you just have to search and see if they have what you need.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Monday, May 7, 2018 7:23 PM

The Genesis motor is made by Roco.  In my experience, Kato's motor runs a couple thousand RPM slower than Roco's, and overall performance of the two is similar.

_________________________________________________________________

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, May 7, 2018 5:18 PM

I guess I'll have to pay more attention to Model Train Stuff.  I've never bought anything from them.  They seem to be to "go to" place by everybody in here.

Mike.

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • 1,358 posts
Posted by SouthPenn on Monday, May 7, 2018 4:14 PM

Kato motors with flywheels at ModelTrainStuff. They also have some Athearn.

South Penn
  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, May 7, 2018 2:27 PM

I agree with bogp40, the Genesis might even be a drop in.  Not sure how Kato sells their motors, the ones I've seen on their web site, you have to add the flywheels, unless the OP has complete motor assembly from a Kato loco.

Mike.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Weymouth, Ma.
  • 5,199 posts
Posted by bogp40 on Monday, May 7, 2018 2:18 PM

Kato motor slightly better, however use whichever one will be the better fit into chassie/ mounts and driveshaft/ U-joist and flywheel fit.

Modeling B&O- Chessie  Bob K.  www.ssmrc.org

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, May 7, 2018 2:07 PM

I would say the Kato would have a slight edge, although I'm not familiar with Newer Genesis.

You'll probably have to do some drive shaft work as well, nothing major.

Mike.

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Monday, May 7, 2018 1:50 PM

Dave,When I  rebuilt(actually my brother in law did the work) my Genesis SCL GP9 I replaced the Genesis  motor with a Kato and used  a new sound decoder.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 15 posts
Genesis vs Kato motor for re power
Posted by Dave in Pa on Monday, May 7, 2018 12:54 PM

Future GP 9 proto 2000 project to be re-powered.  Are the Kato and Athearn genesis motors about the same in Performance?  

 

Thanks

Dave

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