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Motors P2K Locos and rolling stock
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Super User 685 posts BR GP30 2300 Super User 685 posts
BR GP30 2300

Hello all,

 

I`m Dennis .....I`m new to the Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

 

I have a question.......

 

Are replacement motors for Proto 2000 loco`s hard to come by?

 

I am in need of one for a GP30......one for this loco.......

Thanks.
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Bernd MRH Author 5,507 posts
Bernd

Motors

Check the ads in MRH. There might be a supplier there.

Bernd

New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds - NCSWIC
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Larry of Z'ville Frequent poster 984 posts
Larry of Z'ville

What is the problem with the current motor?

The easiest and likely cheapest source would be to get a used p2k off eBay. However, the problems that occur with these units are usually not motor initiated. I would remove the truck bottoms and measure the amp draw at 12 volts input, assuming the motor runs in this condition. Let us know what your symptoms are that make you feel you need a different motor. Larry

So many trains, so little time,

Larry

check out my MRH blog: https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/42408

 or my web site at http://www.llxlocomotives.com
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BR GP30 2300 Super User 685 posts
BR GP30 2300

Hi, It sounds and feels

Hi,

It sounds and feels like the magnets are working loose in the motor when it rotates......I`ve had these three GP30`s running since 2009........and they put on some real mileage during this past open house season at the club I belong to.......

 

.......At first it was pulling a short when run above speed step 14 with the Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder I was using..........I replaced the decoder and started to notice the grinding sounds.........However the gears were replaced in 2009..........I have the loco on my model bench minus the wheels and weight..........I`ll stick a 9 volt battery to the motor lead`s and I can hear the grinding/tapping sound ......I can also feel it when I touch the top of the motor.
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Ghost Train Regular poster 228 posts
Ghost Train

Did you check the obvious, first ?

Could it be that the motor got dropped, possibly on a concrete floor?  If so, yes, the magnets could come loose. However, (most likely) they would cause the motor to bind and not turn at all.

Have you eyeballed the gears to see if they are split or have dirt in the gear teeth or broken teeth? 

Have you checked the linkage between the motor shaft and the gears to see if anything is cracked or broken?

Did you check the motor bushings for lubrication?  If they have not been lubed since 2009, and the oil has dried up, the bushings may have worn out or worn uneven.  In that case, replace the motor.

And, is it only one loco making the noise?

G. T.
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Larry of Z'ville Frequent poster 984 posts
Larry of Z'ville

99 percent sure

The motor is failing. Before you pull it, I would disconnect the dog bones, so the motor is only driving itself. Repeat the earlier test, if it still grinds, then it definitely is the motor. If not, the problem is in the trucks. I'm assuming that the three units were run together, so they all saw the same duty. If so, the other two motors are in question as well. At the very least they need to be checked and serviced. Yankee Dabbler and MB Kline both sell Kato motors that would be a close fit. Mounting will be the issue. They go for about half the cost of P2K GP30 units on eBay. Buying a used unit will get you there easier, maybe just swap shells. It is a cost vs challenge trade. Good Luck, Larry

So many trains, so little time,

Larry

check out my MRH blog: https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/42408

 or my web site at http://www.llxlocomotives.com
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BR GP30 2300 Super User 685 posts
BR GP30 2300

Motor is porked

I disconnected the dogbones and ran the motor again..........it actually sounds worse with just the motor itself..........nothing was dropped on a concrete floor.........I spent way too much time to do the paint and decals on these three GP30`s.

 

I`ll have to look for some replacement motors.

 

I`ve heard that Genesis motor upgrade kits are available........maybe I`ll look into it.
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Larry of Z'ville Frequent poster 984 posts
Larry of Z'ville

Good plan

Check modelrailcraft.com for Athearn Parts. They show three DCC motors for $19-25. Reasonably certain they would use a common mount with you p2k units. I didn't find a MRH sponsor that had these motors. Good luck, Larry

So many trains, so little time,

Larry

check out my MRH blog: https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/42408

 or my web site at http://www.llxlocomotives.com
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Mike MILW199 Regular poster 285 posts
Mike MILW199

Kato GP35 drives

The whole Kato GP35 frame-drive assembly should also fit under the P2K shell.  Small mods might be necessary.  The main dimensions are the same. 

A different motor might not fit the stock P2K frame-weight casting. 

I believe somebody (Loctite?) makes an adhesive especially for securing motor magnets.  Might be something else to look into, if it is just the magnets have come loose. 

Mike  former WSOR engineer  "Safety First (unless it costs money)"  http://www.wcgdrailroad.com/
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