Walthers FA-1---any good?

[CPRail modeler]

Hi,

     I am looking for an affordable FA-1/FB-1. I looked at the Walthers model and although it looks underdetailed, it would make a great project starter. I plan to buy an undecorated version and detail it, maybe with a paint job. Is there any issues with the loco?

             Thanks in advance,

[Pathfinder]

Hi,

     I am looking for an affordable FA-1/FB-1. I looked at the Walthers model and although it looks underdetailed, it would make a great project starter. I plan to buy an undecorated version and detail it, maybe with a paint job. Is there any issues with the loco?

             Thanks in advance,

For your modeling period, it should be well beat up as there where not many FA1's left on the CPR by the mid-late 60's (most were traded in on C424's in 65-66 although the odd one lasted till '77).

The shell is OK, it is a good starting point.  My only one is a dummy, so can not say about the power chassis.

[dehusman]

The pair I have have very poor electrical contact.  i permanently "mu'd" my pair together as an A-A set and jumpered between the units.  With 16 wheels picking up it runs fairly well.

Dave H.

[CPRail modeler]

Hi,

     I am looking for an affordable FA-1/FB-1. I looked at the Walthers model and although it looks underdetailed, it would make a great project starter. I plan to buy an undecorated version and detail it, maybe with a paint job. Is there any issues with the loco?

             Thanks in advance,

For your modeling period, it should be well beat up as there where not many FA1's left on the CPR by the mid-late 60's (most were traded in on C424's in 65-66 although the odd one lasted till '77).

The shell is OK, it is a good starting point.  My only one is a dummy, so can not say about the power chassis.

yeah, I'm making my era a mixed one. I just haven't gotten around to changing my signature yet.

The electrical pickup though... maybe some NWSL parts will fix it.

EDIT: Walthers trainline FA-1 if anyonne is mistaken.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I have an A-B set of FA-1's by Proto 2000 which now belongs to Walther's. The only problems I experienced was #1, as mentioned above, electrical pickup. I cleaned up the axle end pickup seats in the trucks and the performance was greatly improved. Problem #2 was the cracked gear problem. The A unit had two cracked gears and the B unit had one. Some old gear axles salvaged from an Athearn loco made great replacements.

[Pathfinder]

Hi,

     I am looking for an affordable FA-1/FB-1. I looked at the Walthers model and although it looks underdetailed, it would make a great project starter. I plan to buy an undecorated version and detail it, maybe with a paint job. Is there any issues with the loco?

             Thanks in advance,

For your modeling period, it should be well beat up as there where not many FA1's left on the CPR by the mid-late 60's (most were traded in on C424's in 65-66 although the odd one lasted till '77).

The shell is OK, it is a good starting point.  My only one is a dummy, so can not say about the power chassis.

yeah, I'm making my era a mixed one. I just haven't gotten around to changing my signature yet.

The electrical pickup though... maybe some NWSL parts will fix it.

EDIT: Walthers trainline FA-1 if anyonne is mistaken.

I wonder if the Trainline units are the old Train Minatures that Walthers brought out many years ago after buying the TM rights/molds?  That is what I have, not the old Like Like P2000 units. 

[lvanhen]

I bought a Trainline A/B set about 9-10 years ago - the grandkids love them & have given them a few miles!  They have run very smoothly - pull great - and have had no problems what-so-ever!

[WSOR 3801]

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

[BRAKIE]

Those TL FAs are not bad locomotives for the price.I have seen them run and they are smooth runners like the GP9M and GP15-1. The main thing is its a $39.95 locomotive and not highly detailed like the  P2K FA .

[cjcrescent]

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

Are these also the old Roco/Model Power shells?

[CPRail modeler]

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

Are these also the old Roco/Model Power shells?

Maybe. The grills that distinguishe (spelling?) the FA-1 from later models are in an FA-1 style. Model Power listed them as FA-2's. Apparently they know nothing about model trains, like for example, their CPRail F2A.

EDIT: Brakie, the price was what caught my eye.

         WSOR 3801, Which NWSL wheels do I need? I had a look at their site yet found it VERY confusing ()

[jeffrey-wimberly]

What bugs me are these people who go out and buy a cheap loco and lament about how much detail it lacks and it's questionable running properties.

All I have to say to them is 'HELLO! You get what you pay for.'. The only cheap locos I've seen that run worth a hoot are the BB Athearn's and some of the Walther's offerings and maybe a few of the Bachmann's.

The Walther's FA is a good for what it is. A decent looking loco that is affordably priced and easily maintained. I don't expect it to have killer looks.

[cjcrescent]

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

Are these also the old Roco/Model Power shells?

Maybe. The grills that distinguishe (spelling?) the FA-1 from later models are in an FA-1 style. Model Power listed them as FA-2's. Apparently they know nothing about model trains, like for example, their CPRail F2A.

Just asking as I remember that one of the mags (RMC?) in a review that came out when these were first offered said it was a composite of the FA-1 and FA-2. IIRC It was slightly longer and had the FA-2 details behind the cab to the rear, but the cab was definitely an FA-1. It was designed to fit the Sharknose chassis, which was longer than the FA's

[Pathfinder]

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

Are these also the old Roco/Model Power shells?

As noted above, no, the Walthers ones are not the old Roco/MP units.  The Walthers/Train Miniatures shells are much more faithful to the FA1 in length and placement of details.  A much better starting point for a FA1.

[Anonymous]

The pair I have have very poor electrical contact.  i permanently "mu'd" my pair together as an A-A set and jumpered between the units.  With 16 wheels picking up it runs fairly w.

Thats my next project. I installed a sound decoder, in one of the units, and it just stumbles and restarts over and over. I may even add a dummy B unit, and hook up electrical pickups in the B unit.

Trainworld always has them in their ad, at a good discount.

[cjcrescent]

As noted above, no, the Walthers ones are not the old Roco/MP units.  The Walthers/Train Miniatures shells are much more faithful to the FA1 in length and placement of details.  A much better starting point for a FA1.

Thanks PFinder. Wasn't sure. The only good thing about the old Roco/MP model was the chassis. Those things could pull.

[Pathfinder]

As noted above, no, the Walthers ones are not the old Roco/MP units.  The Walthers/Train Miniatures shells are much more faithful to the FA1 in length and placement of details.  A much better starting point for a FA1.

Thanks PFinder. Wasn't sure. The only good thing about the old Roco/MP model was the chassis. Those things could pull.

I agree, theye were sweet runners for their day and I have one done as a VIA Rail ex CPR (don't ask ) FA2.  It is quite and pulls stumps.

[rrinker]

 Mine run VERY well. Start slow, are quiet, and use very little power. I picked up a pair on eBay for about $15 for BOTH powered units. Luckily I have my large collection of old issues of MR and I found the product review on them - after seeing the slow starting speed I bid and won.

 The only downside is the older level of shell detail. But this is easily fixed with some add-on grab irons.

 

                                       --Randy
 

[CPRail modeler]

I've encountered a problem...

Where can I get them from? I checked my LHS online and they had nothing. I'm up for online ordering if they have discount prices. Remember that I'm looking for an A and B unit in an undecorated paint scheme.

Thanks again,

[rrinker]

 I think the OP is referring to the Walthers Trainline models, which have an upgraded drive on an older shell. The P2K FA's are VERY detailed - and damn delicate, my pair need new handrails since the plastic ones are almost all broken. I plan on replacing them with metal grabs and handrails just so it is possible to pick the units up. The "pick up by the truck sides" method doesn't work very well since there is ALSO a lot of sideframe detail.

 

                                            --Randy
 

[CPRail modeler]

HEHE, thread back from the dead...

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

Are these also the old Roco/Model Power shells?

Maybe. The grills that distinguishe (spelling?) the FA-1 from later models are in an FA-1 style. Model Power listed them as FA-2's. Apparently they know nothing about model trains, like for example, their CPRail F2A.

Just asking as I remember that one of the mags (RMC?) in a review that came out when these were first offered said it was a composite of the FA-1 and FA-2. IIRC It was slightly longer and had the FA-2 details behind the cab to the rear, but the cab was definitely an FA-1. It was designed to fit the Sharknose chassis, which was longer than the FA's

Never knew there was a difference between FA1 cabs and FA2 cabs. To me, they look identicle.

I have a quesion about the horn on CPR FA1's. Since I am no horn expert, which horn should I use?

[METRO]

I've got one of the Trainline FA1s and I love it.  It's still sitting on my workbench awaiting repainting and detailing but it's going to be an ex-CPR engine detailed for a Canadian shortline.

Running characteristics are good, very nice slow-speed operation, which is good as I am going to use it in local freight service.   Yes, the detail is dated but not horribly and can be brought up to par.  There was a very good article in MR a few years ago about how to use paint to reproduce the structural members behind the screens on the side, a notable omission from the Trainline units.

Cheers!

~METRO 

[Pathfinder]

HEHE, thread back from the dead...

The Walthers Trainline FA-1 is the old Train Miniatures shell, on a decent drive (heavy, similar to a Kato in driveline and motor).  The body isn't as nice as the P2K, but it is a lot cheaper.  Less parts to break off, unless you add them.  I don't believe they are DCC ready, but they do have wires to the trucks and the motor, so a drop-in board like a DA-SR or similar should be pretty easy to wire in.  NWSL makes replacement wheels for Trainline engines.  Atlas truck assemblies may also fit; I'm looking into that for my GP15-1, which derails quite often.

Are these also the old Roco/Model Power shells?

Maybe. The grills that distinguishe (spelling?) the FA-1 from later models are in an FA-1 style. Model Power listed them as FA-2's. Apparently they know nothing about model trains, like for example, their CPRail F2A.

Just asking as I remember that one of the mags (RMC?) in a review that came out when these were first offered said it was a composite of the FA-1 and FA-2. IIRC It was slightly longer and had the FA-2 details behind the cab to the rear, but the cab was definitely an FA-1. It was designed to fit the Sharknose chassis, which was longer than the FA's

Never knew there was a difference between FA1 cabs and FA2 cabs. To me, they look identicle.

I have a quesion about the horn on CPR FA1's. Since I am no horn expert, which horn should I use?

FA1:

FA2:

 Note the extra length behind the rad on the FA2.  Also different underbody details.

Take your pick of horns  

[ALCOCENTURY202]

Only problem I have is the inside of the wheels where the copper pickups touch. They got very dirty and the loco would stall a lot. A good cleaning and problem solved for a good smooth runner

[floridaflyer]

As this post is almost 9 years old I'm sure the OP has made his decision by now.