Hi all, I have just experienced the cracked axles syndrome on my LL GP9. I was chasing a dead short in it for 2 days when I found the cracked axles. I believe someone posted that Athearn axles will fit in place of the LL ones. Does anyone have a part number to order from Athearn? Thanks in advance Edward
I would have never believed that the Lifelike Geep had this defect. I purchased one at an auction, in which the original owner was a fellow club member and he told the entire audience that the loco worked. I paid $20 for it, after a heated battle on the floor. Yes the motor ran, and the wheels turned, but the axles were clearly cracked, and a HO hard core member told me it was a manufacturer's defect throughout this entire production run. Man, was I p.o'd. When I confronted Fred the seller, he replied, "Just why do you think I was selling it, stupid?" This was strike three for this idiot, as he has lied and burned other club members before, but not me. He was blacklisted secretly from all vendors from that point on, and no one would sell their items to him. All over a lie over a $20 locomotive. I sold it to a club member who was fully apprised, and told me that NWSL made correction axles, or they can be bought from Lifelike. That is why I am sticking to N. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
I have received replacement axles free of charge from LifeLike / Walthers. Contact their parts department. Cheers, Colin
Not all the LL P2k locos have this problem. As far as I know it's the GP7/9, FA/FB1, FA/FB2 and GP30. Did I miss any? In all cases the wheelsets from some old Athearn F's and geeps worked just fine.
Here is a link to the Athearn Parts list: Athearn Scroll down to part #60024. Yes, it says SD40-2 but it's correct for virtually all their locos. At least these are the ones I used to replace my LL axle gears.
Had the cracked axle problem on some P2K GP9' and BL2 units. Just contacted Walthers and they sent new replacements at no charge.
