I'm in the process of testing the latest release of the Life-Like (now Walthers) GP38-2, and I've run into a problem that I didn't encounter on the previous version (or at least I don't recall running into it). I don't know if the pilot was revised on this version or not, but it sits so low to the rails that it will actually come in contact with them if it encounters any sort of unevenness in the track (resulting in a very noticeable squeaking sound). Was this an issue on the previous version? I don't recall running into it before, but maybe I just missed it. In any case, I don't currently have one so I can't check. Thanks! -Mark
Just to clarify - I'm asking about the second version (the one with the metal/split-frame chassis) and not the first version with the plastic chassis. Thanks, -Mark
The one I have has about 0.5mm clearance from the rail head to the bottom of the pilot when sitting on level track. Adrian
I just checked mine its from the first run and it looks like yes it does actually come in contact with the railsI never notice because it never made it onto my layout because of the lack of DCC
Yup...mine are the split frame. 2009-2010 time frame I believe. The pilot itself never scraped. I had one snowplow scrap when I glued it on.
George and Adrian - how does the pilot height on yours' compare to the one in my picture? About the same? Thanks, -Mark
Yours looks to be a bit lower than mine, but not by much. There is enough flexibility in the walkway that a little pressure can bring it in contact with the rails, so it may be that the pilot height is dependent on how straight the walkway is. Adrian
Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated! Sadly, I am now going to ask for just a little bit more Can either one of you post a photo with a front-on / side-by-side comparison with some other recently-released diesel? (I used an Atlas U25B for mine) - Sorry to be such a pest, lol. Basically I'm trying to save myself the trouble (and expense) of hunting down and re-purchasing a "second version" LL GP8-2. Cheers, -Mark
Arnold U25C, LifeLike GP38-2, Atlas SD60M. The snowplow is permanently attached to my GP38-2, but it is at the same level as the pilot. I don't see how to make the pic any bigger, but the GP38-2 is a tad lower than either of the others. Adrian
Mark...I would be happy to. Unfortunately the undec I have has a snowplw on it now. I have another one....but dont have 2 for comparrison.
I was able to address the issue by sanding a bit off the bottom of the pilot (not much more than the thickness of the paint). Weird that mine would be so different, though... Anyways, thanks for all the help! Cheers, -Mark
