is proto 2000 worth it?

[Anonymous]

P2k's are great runners shop around i have bought 2 in the last few days at my LHS new in the box one for 55.00 and the other for 50.00 An SD9 and a E6 both run perfect i have two others also same results. I love my Athearn BB but after running a P2k it's hard to even want to put an Athearn on the track i have rebuilt all my Athearns but still no comparison to the smoothness and quiet of a P2k just my 2 cents.

[ICRR1964]

dingoix,
Do you rememeber those photo's I emailed you of some of the loco's that were in my collection cabinet? Some of them that you cannot see, because they are on my layout are P2K's. I have some of the first generation loco's in the IC road, some of the ones in the IC road in 2nd generation. They all run fine with no problems, They are GP7's, Gp9's and GP18's all IC roads. I did not pay more than $50 for any of them. the cheapest I paid for any of them is $23 off ebay for 2 of them, they both had cracked gears. The talk you and I had in an email awhile back about changing out the wheels and gears, and you asked me about it being the same as doing it on one of your BB Athearns, you are right, its the same.

Now on to the gears, P2K's some of them, develop cracked gears, which you can hear it click after it splits. I just got my order from Discount Trains Online. I ordered 6 packs of the Athearn gears DTO #140-60024, there are 6 gears in each pack. The total for the 36 gears was $10.56, I also bought some freight cars for cheap they had on sale to absorb the cost of shipping, which is $6.95. Allot of people make a big deal about the split gears, its a nothing and easy to fix. Two packs of the gears from DTO is about $3.25, enough gears to fix 3, 8 wheel loco's, this is cheap! Shipping the loco off to the factory, cost you more in the long run. I have 12 P2K's now and really like them, I like the BB Athearn to. Look for the sales and deals on the P2K line, the first 2 GP7's I bought came from my LHS for $50 each. Look around there out there, you just got to find the deals on them.

[Anonymous]

I was at a train show recently. If I had not seen this deal (and I do mean "deal") on some old(er) Rivarossi passenger cars, I would have bought this Proto Series 2000 Soo Line 0-8-0 for $75. It was stated it ran good, it had (that I know of) no DCC system, and was weathered. I kinda hate myself now, but I did increase my passenger car "fleet." I still have yet to run them.

Above all, I really can't say if they're good or not, since I don't have one, but the Proto Series 2000's from what I hear are pretty good.

[Anonymous]

Yes in my opinion they are worth it. I have two that I have put decoders in and I love them. They run just as smooth as my BLI AC 6000. I did have to slow the BLI down a touch in the CV's but thats it. At one of our club shows they ran as a consist for 4 hours and never faltered. They weren't even warm when picked up. By the way I picked mine up for around fifty bucks each at shows. Yes they were used but both were still in the original boxes and just hardly run at all. They are super quiet and well worthy of the decoder install. I will be getting more when the CFO allocates more money for power.

[CP5415]

OK, my 2 cents.

For a long time I was against Proto. Just plain didn't like them. It was Athearn or nothing else!

I ended up buying a Proto unit, I can't remember which one I bought, but I was impressed by it.
The real clincher was when I brought home my P2K PA. Man o man! The MARS light blew me away & the detail in is is impressive as well. The only thing I didn't like about it was it didn't have the correct sides to it. D&H PA 17 was different than the other 3 & I bought #17, but I got over it.

I now have 4 P2K's, the PA, SD45, SD50 & S3 as well as P1K C-liner, RS11 & 2 RDC's.

I strongly recommend them.

One reason why I don't have any Atlas locos is that they haven't come out with a model of which I would want to buy.
Kato, when they had the CPR SD90-43 MACS, I couldn't afford one at the time & I have 3 AC4400's from Athearn so a Kato is not in the purchasing budget.
I have bought a Stewart C628, it needs some TLC as it runs as noisily as a BB. I do like it though. I will see lots of use on the tracks.

I can guarantee that it you bought a Proto unit, you would be impressed by it too.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lesterperry

OK I like PK2. But i have notices a thumping noise in some of my GP7s & 9s. I assumed it was flat spots on wheels. Is this noise the gear problem and if it is where do I get replacements

Yes that thimp thump is a split gear. If you contact Walthers now that they own P2K they will send you replacement gears. They are very easy to replace.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: dingoix,

After this long thread, let's us know what you think about the Proto 2000 Geep, when and if you get it.

I WILL get either a GP7 or GP9 from trainworld, BUT i want one in IC. I might wait a month or so.

[wjstix]

I like their E-units. GP's aren't bad, the ones I have are a few years old and have an annoying stutter/whine especially at higher speeds. Proto 1000 RDC and RS-11 I have are very nice engines !! Steam for me has been a bust, the Proto 0-8-0 I have never did run very well, the 2-8-8-2 ran well for about a year then gave up the ghost. Both look nice sitting still but would rather have less detailed but better running steam engines.

[Anonymous]

I HAVE BEEN INPRESSED WITH P2K AND HAVE HAD I PROBLEM AND LIFELIKE GAVE ME THE PARTS AND MORE THAN I NEEDED. THE BEST PULLING AND LONGEST RUNNING. OUR CLUB HAS OPEN HOUSES AND I RAN A 125 CAR TRAIN WITH TWO SD60S FOR 6 HOURS AND NEVER A PROBLEM OR DID THEY HEAT UP OR FAIL. THE MONEY IS WELL SPENT.

[tstage]

dingoix,

After this long thread, let's us know what you think about the Proto 2000 Geep, when and if you get it.

Tom

[Medina1128]

I have a Proto 2000 SW1500 that just crawled around the yard right out of the box. [:)] Would I buy another locomotive from them? ABSOLUTELY!!!

[Anonymous]

I'm going to get a GP7 either from ebay for trainworld. For $40 it can't hurt to try. But is the GP7 DCC-ready? Just curious.

[tstage]

dingoix,

I'm sorry for the somewhat curt answer before. I was thinking. Do you have an LHS nearby that you could checkout a P2K locomotive at? That way you see firsthand without having to committ to anything. Just a thought...

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Best bet is to wait and buy a Atlas Trainman GP38-2 or a newer Athearn RTR GP38-2.

why so? the t-man isn't available in BNSF and if i go Athearn i'll get the b-b kit beacause the RTR has green trucks & i don't like that- i'm willing to spend $85 for a P2K if it's gonna last a long time (b-b will last longtime)

[BRAKIE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

QUOTE:
Dingoix,

How many reiterations do you want? YES!...they are TERRIFIC runners! Just TRY one and come to your own conclusions....

Tom

okay, okay i'll go for a P2K GP38-2 when i have the money

Be sure to test run it at different speeds.
Best bet is to wait and buy a Atlas Trainman GP38-2 or a newer Athearn RTR GP38-2.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:
Dingoix,

How many reiterations do you want? YES!...they are TERRIFIC runners! Just TRY one and come to your own conclusions....

Tom

okay, okay i'll go for a P2K GP38-2 when i have the money

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher


As I recall the history from memory - the cracked gear on the axle problem was on earlier production models of the GP7 or GP9. Some thought it was because they were just plain too tight, while others thought it was related to using a certain synthetic lubriant that attacked and weakend the plastic. I don't recall hearing of any cracked gear problems on current production models

well thats reassuring

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ICRR1964
As far as the gear splitting problem? Well who hasn't had them on the P2K's.

I haven't...and I have two.

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

i guess the question is do they run as well as the price suggests? the detail looks good

Dingoix,

How many reiterations do you want? YES!...they are TERRIFIC runners! Just TRY one and come to your own conclusions....

Tom

[Anonymous]

i guess the question is do they run as well as the price suggests? the detail looks good

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

according to the link Athearn axles can be used- would these be a better alternative than L-L axles? would a L-L replacement crack as well?

I doubt it. As I recall the history from memory - the cracked gear on the axle problem was on earlier production models of the GP7 or GP9. Some thought it was because they were just plain too tight, while others thought it was related to using a certain synthetic lubriant that attacked and weakend the plastic. I don't recall hearing of any cracked gear problems on current production models.

And this reminds me I should probably dig mine out of storage and at least get them out to test run and see if they have the problem.... sigh - another project.

To the orignal topic - Are they worth it. It depends on what you want them for. Personally I actually prefer the Proto-1000 for club use because they get such rough treatement there. Proto-2000s get all the nice detail broken off too easily.

[Anonymous]

thanks BRAKIE, i bookmarked that link should i need it- according to the link Athearn axles can be used- would these be a better alternative than L-L axles? would a L-L replacement crack as well?

[BRAKIE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

since many of you have had cracked gears/ split axles-what has to be replaced? on my Athearn AC4400 you just remove the bottom cover on the truck and the axles come out-- also will Walthers / Life-Like send me parts free of charge?

So you will know here is the link in case you should need it some day..I am sure Walthers will stand behind their new LL products just like they have in the past.[:D]


http://www.nmra.org.au/Hints/P2K/P2K.html

[Anonymous]

since many of you have had cracked gears/ split axles-what has to be replaced? on my Athearn AC4400 you just remove the bottom cover on the truck and the axles come out-- also will Walthers / Life-Like send me parts free of charge?

[BRAKIE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ICRR1964

I own Allot of the older BB Athearns, and enjoy them allot. They are good pullers and can be detailed easy. I also own quite a few P2K's, that are just as good as the BB, but have the details I want and better paint. As far as the gear splitting problem? Well who hasn't had them on the P2K's. Its a quick and easy fix to use the Athearn gears, plus you do not have to take the whole engine apart either. I like both the BB and P2K's, ones just a bit better than the other.

I like the P2K GP7/9/30 shells..So,I am studying how I can power these shells..[:0]

[ICRR1964]

I own Allot of the older BB Athearns, and enjoy them allot. They are good pullers and can be detailed easy. I also own quite a few P2K's, that are just as good as the BB, but have the details I want and better paint. As far as the gear splitting problem? Well who hasn't had them on the P2K's. Its a quick and easy fix to use the Athearn gears, plus you do not have to take the whole engine apart either. I like both the BB and P2K's, ones just a bit better than the other.

[AntonioFP45]

Interesting answers.

Speaking for myself, I like my Protos very much. I bought blue boxes for years but switching to P2K for me, was like going from Ford Escorts to Honda Accords.

Yes, I've had the split axle problem, which takes about 1 minute to correct. As for those E units? IMHO, they are Life Like's crown jewel----super sweet running machines!

I especially like the body detailing P2Ks offer.

To those that put P2K units down..............

If you were around in the 1970s you'd understand why guys like me greatly appreciate P2Ks. Detail Features like ]lift rings on the roof, opening doors, air hoses, drop plates, handrails, optional pilots and fuel tanks, etc., were fantasies for many of us back then.

If you wanted that........you bought a "fat boy" blue box Athearn, bought or scratch built those extra details, then made the effort to find time to install them............which many of us did back then.

Add to that: Those hoods were naggingly still too wide, and the windshields on the F units were too large. Atlas made some nice units, but only a few selections.

So, I'm very grateful for the Proto units. I plan on buying 4 more P2K E units, another SD45, two more Geeps, and 2 SD9s. The "little" mechanical glitches that some may have are usually an easy fix.

I've gotten several P2K units off of Ebay for great prices, often cheaper than Athearn blue boxes.

As for the "Loaded Question": Are P2Ks worth it...............it depends on what you the customer want. For me the answer is YES!

[Soo Line fan]

I think they are very good. I have 2 SD60s and 2 SD60Ms. After a few years of use they started to get noisy, as others have stated. I did an oil / lube and good as new. Why would this be an issue? I also have 2 GP30s and the gears did crack. I e-mailed Life Like and new wheel sets came quickly. It probably took longer to write about this than fix. Its easy to keep customers happy when there are no problems, its when you have a problem that you can tell the good companies from the bad. Walthers has treated me very well in the past concerning parts so I have no reason to believe that will not continue with their new acquisition. Pricing is another story. That will be what the market will bear.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Q: Is Proto 2000 worth it?

A: In a word: No...negative...nein....nada....nyet...

[Anonymous]

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-30756 BNSF GP38-2- this is the one i'll look for for my first P2K -there are two P2K GP38-2's- one has an 88" nose the other does not- the 88" looks slightly longer (both are short hood) is that true- also the BNSF w/88' nose has green trucks & i don't like that---are Walthers trainline locomotives any good --i kinda like the ALCO FA-1

[tstage]

Correct. The drive trains of the Proto 1000 & 2000s are exactly the same. The detailing is what sets them apart.

Tom