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USA Trains GP38-2

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M

main131

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My SANTA-FE version still gives me trouble free running after after six years of ownership

The smoke unit however is not as reliable as some of my other models from the same manufacturer and I would be interested to hear from other members of there 'prevention and cure' experiences.

I have done some changes to my layout since last year and I hope you are interested sufficiently to check out the GP38 running on you tube



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsNfF1ZRHtA


Here is a 'still' of the engine

Image
 
#2 ·
Nice video! I really like your benchwork too. I too have the GP38, but on the advice given here, since im on battery, i disabled the smoke on mine, so i cant help you on that aspect.
Greg R.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Posted By Greg Elmassian on 12 Apr 2013 02:31 PM
Can you give a more concise description of "not reliable"?

I assume these are the fan-driven ones?

Greg
It is not my intention to be critical of the manufacturer and as I said in my posting it is only the smoke unit that has let it down.
By this I mean that it just doesn't work. It did but not now.

I guess my question would be at what stage have improvements (if any) been made with the USA Trains smoke units bearing in mind that my GP38 is over six years old.
I can't be sure about a fan unit as it is sometime since I remembered it working!

With regard to the MTH range I would agree that they are special but much more elaborate in their make up, so you get what you pay for.

Replacing a faulty unit on my MTS Challenger was not the simplest operation although the maker did send me a replacement FOC.
Trevor
 
#9 ·
I know, in steamers I agree... in normal locos (except alcos) you don't see a lot, and it also means the locomotive is not running efficiently.

So, to me diesel smoke is not as important as a steamer. (Now if we could get a big black plume of smoke and a bit of fire from our RS-3's, well THAT would be something!)

Image


Greg
 
#12 ·
Main- - i would call up Charles Ro Trains in Malden, MA. These folks will have the new-style smoke unit you will likely want. All of my GPs have the old style plastic units without fans...so I never use them. In general, i don't think a six-year lifespan is unreasonable for a smoke unit for the older type. It's very easy for the element to break due to heat cycling...especially if the smoke fluid runs dry.
 
#16 ·
Well, got a response on the dual gauge trackage, but nothing on the type of smoke unit fitted, so still cannot answer the question for sure.

If you do have the older style units, USAT has clearly indicated that running them out of fluid will burn them up.

Have you opened the loco? Did you ever hear fans going?

Greg
 
#17 ·
All one has to do without opening the loco is just look at the area where the smoke unit is. If you see small wires inside the unit it is definitely not the newer version. The fan driven one will have a smooth area that the smoke fluid just flows down. Later RJD
 
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