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 Posted - January 27 2009 : 9:31:32 PM
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I have two Lifelike GP30's. These have factory decoders installed. I believe they were manufactured around 2000, 2001. I do not have the original boxes. When they go down the track they make a noise like they have a flat wheel. Kind of a thumping noise. Between the two, I have swapped out the geared axles so one smoothly and quietly goes down the track. I emailed Walters and requested warranty replacement geared axles. They emailed me right back and stated all defective axles were prior to factory installed DCC production, which was before 2000. They asked for item numbers. Any ideas on my next step or anyone have a item number. The items are C&NW road # 812, and ATSF road # 1236 (solid blue paint scheme). Thanks
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Posted - January 28 2009 : 10:25:35 PM
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Can't help with the item numbers (old Walthers catalogs might help). But IIRC, it is true that the Proto2K engines form that time did NOT have DCC decoders... although I am not sure when they starting adding them.
However, most Proto2K engines did use a PCB with some basic electronics to handle the constant/reversing lighting. It is about the size of a decoder and so could easily be confused for one; it is designed to be replaced outright should one choose to upgrade to DCC.
Are you new to DCC? If so chances are you do have one of the earlier engines and are understandably confused. Just explain to them that you mistook the light circuit PCB for a decoder.
Either way it's a bit of a red herring and they should replace the axle gears regardless.
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 12:00:50 AM
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# "584408" is the P2k wheelset number. 922-584408 would be the walthers order number.
The problem as I see it is that the people at Walthers know nothing about the products they sell.
All they know how to do is sell you something you have a part number for.
(If you haven't picked up on it yet, I have a real problem with Walthers customer service.)
Athearn part #60024 or #40028 wheelsets will work as replacements.
Ray
Edited by - Ray Marinaccio on January 29 2009 12:06:50 AM
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tod513
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 08:06:43 AM
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| Thanks for this post. I have a KCS GP30 with the same problem.
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 5:51:35 PM
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| These locomotives do have decoders, They weren't installed by me. LifeLike advertised in Nov. 1999 ad that the newest GP30's would be DCC "ready". So mine may be those. But none the less they run with a thump thump noise going down the track. I have cobbled together enough geared axles to make one unit run smoother and quieter. I did come up with an Item number for my ATSF unit # 23093. I did get a lengthy reply from Walthers, and I will post it next in a separate post. Needless to say the locomotives were a gift and I have no receipts, so I'm out of luck. Athearn has gears that will work, so I will go the route. I don't have the fight in me to get them from Walthers.
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 5:53:00 PM
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My answer from Walthers:
The locomotive in question was produced in mid 1999 and most certainly had an aftermarket decoder installed. When you say decoder equipped loco I must always think factory equipped, newer locomotive. This particular locomotive certainly falls within the group of locomotives that were affected by the cracked axle problem. We can certainly supply replacement geared axle assemblies (we do not supply just the gear), however due to abuses of the axle giveaway by Life Like and later us we were forced to adhere strictly to the terms of the warranty starting in March of 2008. As you may well know there was another major manufacturer that shared the same gear, it came to light that many owners of said manufacturers locos were getting our free axle sets not only for mechanical but cosmetic reasons as well. Please read the following, it will give you all the information youll need to replace the axles.
The parts you have requested may be covered under warranty provided the following warranty criteria are met:
Warranty applies only to the original purchaser of a Walthers product and only when purchased from an authorized Walthers dealer or directly from Walthers. The warranty covers defects in manufacturing or missing parts on a new product. Damage caused by the owner and normal wear are not defects but we will make every effort to assist you on such requests. Authorized dealers purchase products from Walthers and sell them through their retail stores. Items purchased on E-Bay, from private sellers, auctions, swap meets etc. are not eligible for warranty coverage. However, many dealers do have online stores as an extension of their retail sales stores and these internet purchases are eligible for warranty coverage.
Under the terms of the warranty, you may be required to return any defective parts with a copy of the original sales receipt. You may also be required to pay for return shipping and handling charges. The sales receipt must include the dealers name and store address. An itemized receipt is preferred but a cash register tape is acceptable providing it has the dealer information printed on the tape. A tape without dealer information is not acceptable. These warranty requirements apply to all Walthers, Proto and Life Like products.
Proto axle warranty replacements:
Some, but not all, very early released Proto locomotives have drive axle gears that can possibly split. Not all axles on a locomotive may need to be replaced. This issue has been corrected in later productions. To receive warranty replacements for any axles with split gears we require that the faulty axles be returned to Walthers with a copy of the original sales receipt for each locomotive in need of axles. Return shipping and handling charges will apply, the amount of which will depend on the number of axles needed. For return information and shipping and handling charges, please contact Walthers parts department at 800 773 9350 or via e-mail to custserv@walthers.com , please indicate parts department in the subject box.
Axles are available for purchase if your locomotives do not meet warranty requirements. The part number of the axles is 922-584408 and they can be purchased by calling our sales department at 800 487 2467. Two axles are provided per package and the current price is $3.00 plus shipping and handling. Please note, prices are subject to change without notice.
To check axles for broken gear: Remove the bottom cover of the truck assembly and remove an individual axle; Hold a wheel in the finger tips of each hand and GENTLY twist the wheels in opposite directions, they should not move. DO NOT force as this will cause even good axles to break loose.
Randy
Wm. K. Walthers
Parts & Warranty Dept.
1-800-773-9350 ext 7428
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 5:55:06 PM
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In the reply from Walthers:
"As you may well know there was another major manufacturer that shared the same gear, it came to light that many owners of said manufacturers locos were getting our free axle sets not only for mechanical but cosmetic reasons as well".
How do you use a axle set for cosmetic reason? LOL!!!!!
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tod513
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 7:16:25 PM
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| DCC ready means it is ready for you to plug in a decoder.
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Posted - January 29 2009 : 9:57:02 PM
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I have taken them apart and it appears to have a plug where the decoder is at. I have axle/gear issues, regardless if and when produced or DCC or not. I submitted enough information to Walthers and they agree mine fit within the correct time frame.
I feel sorry for those who have these locomotives and have either have just started having issues, due to limited use, or those of us who just put up with the noise and poor running for the last 10 years. I bet there are thousands of P2k out there.
At least the gear sets are available from Athearn and they are reasonable priced.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH60024
Happy railroading, keep those sales receipts, and don't buy on ebay if you expect the warranty to be honored. LOL
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Posted - January 30 2009 : 05:04:27 AM
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quote:# "584408" is the P2k wheelset number. 922-584408 would be the walthers order number.
The problem as I see it is that the people at Walthers know nothing about the products they sell.
All they know how to do is sell you something you have a part number for.
(If you haven't picked up on it yet, I have a real problem with Walthers customer service.)
Athearn part #60024 or #40028 wheelsets will work as replacements.
Originally posted by Ray Marinaccio-January 29 2009: 12:00:50 AM
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I agree with Ray... the Athearn sets are a good fix.
The Proto GP-18's had the same axle-gear splitting.
Now, someone may have covered this point... Your unit is a pre-Walther's locomotive.
A few years back, whoever still had LL P1K/P2K on their sales shelves by the time Walther's bought the LL plans, you could pick up a pair of F3's A+B for quite a bargin!
Walther's wasn't going to be responsible for any defects, especially for the locomotives they never made.
Getting a replacement set of axles fared worse than finding an axle in a hay-stack!
HEY!
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - January 30 2009 : 10:45:15 AM
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I have also bought just the Athearn gears #60024.
I ream the holes in the gears with a 3/32 drill bit the press the L/L wheelsets into the gears.
Ray
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Posted - January 30 2009 : 11:44:23 AM
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Hey Guys:
I recently picked up at my LHS a pair (4) replacememnt axles from Walthers for $3.75 per/pair... haven't installed them yet in my BL2. Once I do I'm gonna sell her.
-Gareth
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