Well, I got 2 lemons on u-know-what-bay ... 2 SF GP-30's from a "collection" (of junk) - sad because the listing said "xlnt in box" But before I start with trying to resolve this issue with the seller, I'd like to know about what warranties (if any) Atlas has for this type of situation because I'd really like to keep them if possible. I know Bachmann has the "send us $10 and we'll send you a new one" policy... anything similar with Atlas?
Are they the new runs (classic) or the old Atlas-Kato? Or are they the 30 year old ones with the super wide hoods and (I think) only one powered truck? Atlas has been very good about warranties on the new stuff. I have never had trouble with Atlas-Kato.
Ah! I remember those well! I had some of those way back when. In my opinion, they are better left on the shelf as a display of the "days of yore"! I am not for sure, but I think the only way to get parts for them is to cannibalize another unit or one that has the same components. Atlas also sold a GP-9 using the same mechanism (two truck drive). A thorough cleaning should get them running, and they will run, but they will in no way compare to latter versions no matter how well you clean them. The bodies were over width, but the detail within the carbody was very nice for the era of manufacture. The trucks, wheels and handrails were also oversized. Atlas may indeed have replacement parts, or offer service for them. The only way to find out is to get in touch with them.
Hate to move away from Mike's problem but I must stress the great work most American model rr companies do,for example I bought a heap of twin stacks off that 'whats it bay' & some were damaged,( buyer told me before i buy).Anyway e-mailed deLuxe Inov. (dont know if I get into trouble here) & they sent me a bag of parts no charge!Same for Atlas,they sent me a new SD50 pair of trucks,no charge! Badger sent me a whole brand new 150 dual-action air brush because of a faulty part again no charge. Mike I hope this doesn't upset you,I just thought this would be a good time to high-light some of the good public relations these companies do & i hope you have the same luck as I did. BTW, there is always the threat of "negative" feed back on that 'whats it bay'if the seller dosen't come to the party for you!
Mike, parts for these would be best obtained by cannibalizing. I hate to be negative, but even when they were new they didn't run very well.
If it is the two-truck drive Atlas (Roco, Austria) with a metal frame that I think it is, there's a multitude of problems with that design, most fixable on the workbench. The worst part was the motors themselves - I repowered all of mine when I had them. The trucks, drive, universals, etc. can be tuned OK. I don't think Atlas still carries parts for the 1974-era units. They did for a long time. If you're really willing to tear 'em apart and work on 'em, I've got lots of tips, and various parts including new motor brushes still in the bubbles - I've sold a lot of the surplus on Ebay. But like the man says, probably the worst Atlas Classic current production is still better than the best Atlas Class of '74. Which was WAY better than the Class of about '68 on the one-truck drive GP40. I've sold a lot of 70's stuff on Ebay, and you hit the nail on the head - with an "Excellent" description you at least expect them to run OK when received. I've sold a lot of stuff for parts and scrap, and still have a 100% rating, because they were accurately described as such.
depending on what Atlas says, I would be interested... can you email me and I'll let you know thanks!
