Looking for info on Athearn GP-38

[MLW]

Looking for your feedback, opinions, comments,
on the Athearn HO RTR GP38-2.

How does it run?
Ease of decoder instal?
Noisy or quiet drive?

Any other info


Thanks

 

[UP2CSX]

MLW, it runs good. Much quieter than the normal BB engines, mostly because of improvements made in the gear materials.

With the exception of the closer to scale plastic handrails, the level of detail is exactly the same as an Athearn BB engine. The mechanicals, with the exception of the gears, are also exactly the same as a BB engine, including the crew frying headlight.

Installing a decoder is also exactly the same as a BB engine, with all the hardwiring and isolating the motor. It's not plug and play but it can be done.

If you're willing to spend the time and like detailing, this can be made into a nice looking engine for very little money. This is an RTR GM&O GP38-2 that I detailed out. With an NCE DCC decoder and and a little engine and gear tuneup, it runs really good.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

They run quite well. I have 2 that I run tail to tail pulling 16 cars on the inner loop.

 

[malletman]

The main improvement in them over an old Blue Box kit are the fine scale hand rails and new drive shafts from the motor to the trucks. Those eliminate some of the driveline vibration, and I suspect the chinese tweaked the gear molds a bit or are cleaning them up before assembly. The main detraction is that old style headlight that makes the whole cab glow. For the money one would think they could develope a better headlight for there non dcc ready engines. Bascily if the box has the DCC/Ready star on it, they have microbulb headlights and a DCC socket. If it doesnt have that star on the box, then it just has the cab glow headlight set up. Still a very good engine, if your looking to buy one, get the shop to test run it, then you can see and hear the drive train in person. Mike

 

[Rogue]

MLW,

You might want to consider trying a Bachmann GP38-2, they come with DCC on board, have surprisingly great detail, are quiet runners and have great pulling power. They won't break the bank either! My wife has one in ATSF livery and we are both very impressed with it!

 

[MLW]

Thanks for all the info guys. Much appreciate it
That's a good idea to check Bachman

Thanks again