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Atlas HO GP38-2 Frame/parts

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  • Member since
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  • From: US
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Atlas HO GP38-2 Frame/parts
Posted by MikeyChris on Saturday, December 14, 2019 2:14 PM

I have an early 2000's-made Atlas GP38-2 with a totally broken frame. Not sure how it happened. Ihad the set out a coupe years ago and it was great. I packed the set back up (I used to collect sets, now I just play with trains) and when I opened it last month loco frame was literally broken in several spots. Eveything else in the box (track, power pack, three cars) was just like new. Very wierd. Upon examination it looked like the frame simply crumbled (like very old Zamac sometimes does). So, I need a frame. Atlas does not have any (the only frame of that vintage they had was an SD38 frame, which I bought but don't want to do all the work needed to shorten it). Does anyone have any ideas on where I might find same? Also, if anyone needs an Atlas SD38 frame I have one I will send you for the cost of shipping. In the likely event I will not find a frame, if anyone needs any parts for an Atlas GP38-2 (early 2000's release) please PM me. All the other parts are fine (loco was barely run at all).

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Posted by Wolf359 on Saturday, December 14, 2019 2:37 PM

I would try ebay or Trainz.com. There are usually parts for sale on their sites. Something else you could try would be to look for a donor locomotive that you could scavenge the parts from.

  • Member since
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  • From: SE. WI.
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Posted by mbinsewi on Saturday, December 14, 2019 2:46 PM

I just saw an Atlas GP38 on Ebay, "For parts", current bid is at $7.95. Although, this looks like an older "yellow box" loco.

Do you know if your loco was Atlas Master series, Trainman series, or Atlas Classic series?

Mike.

  • Member since
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  • From: OH
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Posted by BRAKIE on Saturday, December 14, 2019 10:35 PM

Have you checked with Atlas? The may have the GP38 frame in stock.

 

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


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

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Posted by Graham Line on Sunday, December 15, 2019 12:00 AM

Atlas doesn't have the appropriate frame at the moment, as the original post said. They do have a run  of GP38/40 units due next spring or summer, so some parts may appear as well.

  • Member since
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  • From: US
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Posted by MikeyChris on Sunday, December 15, 2019 1:17 PM

Thanx for the reply. I have indeed tried eBay and Trainz. The irony is I just sold Trainz quite a few Atlas diesels earlier this year. Had I only known... As far as a donor, all I need is the actual frame, so I would have to be very lucky to find a donar that was that cheap...

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 187 posts
Posted by MikeyChris on Sunday, December 15, 2019 1:18 PM

It's a TRAINMAN (part of a set). Atlas told me they had none in stock.

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  • From: US
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Posted by MikeyChris on Sunday, December 15, 2019 1:20 PM

Thanx for the info about the new releases coming. I'll be on the lookout for them.

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  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
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Posted by jjdamnit on Monday, December 16, 2019 1:08 PM

Hello All,

A couple of suggestions...

Could you use the frame from a dummy engine?

Some dummy engines are based on a powered frame and may even have the gear towers- -minus the gears.

I realize that you are dealing with an Atlas brand frame but could an Athearn work?

On eBay I searched "HO Scale GP 38-2" and found two Athearn frames.

A quick search of eBay under "HO Scale Atlas GP 38-2" brought up three listings for used locomotives from $30.00 to $45.00 (minus shipping/handling).

Because of their pricing I am thinking they are DC.

Depending on their condition it could be as simple as a shell swap or you might need to rebuild your locomotive around the frame you purchase.

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
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  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Monday, December 16, 2019 8:37 PM

Hello All,

I have messaged a person that deals with used HO equipment.

He is looking into his stock to see if he has the frame you want.

If he does I'll let you know so you can contact him.

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 187 posts
Posted by MikeyChris on Monday, December 23, 2019 1:38 PM
Those eBay items are old Roco built items I believe. The newer built in China frames are totally different.
  • Member since
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  • From: US
  • 187 posts
Posted by MikeyChris on Monday, December 23, 2019 1:39 PM

jjdamnit

Hello All,

I have messaged a person that deals with used HO equipment.

He is looking into his stock to see if he has the frame you want.

If he does I'll let you know so you can contact him.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanx!

  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Thursday, December 26, 2019 3:00 PM

Hello All,

He looked through his stock, no luck.

Sorry this didn't help.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

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