I used to post here often, but found other responsibilities that took me from N scale. I do want to say that I am very happy that Fox Valley released their N scale GP-60M & B models. For years, I ranted, raved, wrote e-mails, called manufacturers to get these models done. Well it all came to fruition, I have ordered examples and they should be here this week. Has anyone received any of these and what is the general opinion of these new models ????
I got 2, both ATSF Superfleet, a GP60M and GP60B, the B unit ran fine when I tested it, but the M did not run at all, I need to send it back. A friend from my club went to our local train shop and it took them testing 5 units before getting that ran. Getting past the production issues, its a great model!
I just received mine on Saturday ( 2 60 m units and 1 b unit ) one of the units would not run , I removed the shell and I could see that the circuit board was out of position ,after moving it back to its position it runs good now . I really like these engines . One word of caution , the underbody has a lot of detailed small parts that are easy to break if you are not careful when removing the shell or the fuel tank Alex
I ordered a GP60B and it arrived today. Haven't tested it, took it under a microscope, or otherwise done any critical analysis of it, ;-) but for a quick 5 minute inspection it sure looks great to me! Haven't heard much in the way of performance, pulling power, etc. yet...I expect they'll be in line with the Atlas Geeps and maybe the B will be a little bit more stout with the room for more weight. I'm interested in hearing more about it, since mine will mostly run with an Atlas Dash 8. Anyway, I share the sentiments about this being a great release and very glad they're finally here. This might even prod me into getting the layout put back together and throw a decoder in there and watch it go.
This...is not very encouraging :-( Since these came out I have been reading reviews...here....there...everywhere and those reviews are about 50/50 good/bad. I want one...just not good odds. <SNAP>...maybe I could get a TB member to go to their LHS...test some while there and find one that runs good...and I can pay them what it costs plus a bit for their troubles to send it to me ;-)
I got an M and B. Out of the box they were both noisy but did run. After lubing them at the motor bearing and worm gear bearings they smoothed out nicely. Beautiful models. My only nit-pick is the B is way faster than the M unit. Not an issue for me as they now have decoders in them.
I had a B unit that didn't run as well as the other ABA units. A little inspection showed the drive shaft had NO play in it! So, what I ended up doing, was sanding down the loose bushing from the worm gear. Then, added a quick puff of Grease 'em into the bearing, and reassembled. Worked great after that! Now, I need to find the DCC plugs for mine! And a few more extra detail parts, since some of the extra fine parts took flight to the carpet, before I could get them glued in! Keep in mind, the hand rails are also rather fragile!! Mine kept popping out, but thankfully, NOT broken! Time to run to Denver, to locate some replacement detail parts! And maybe see if they have DCC plugs. I like mine!!
My two are lovely. They worked fine out of the box. I needed some cosmetic alteration to properly fit today's prototype. I suspect at some point they will be released with my cosmetics - but I wanted them NOW. The locos now accurately reflect the prototypes. I find myself doing that more and more, very satisfying. And these are sweet!
I have 2 of each. Other than a low trip pin. (No big deal correcting that). Mine run great. Next is to pick up some decoders. Enjoy, Wolf
