Cheapest HO Locomotive on Amazon - Is it Good or Crap?
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2021
- HO locomotives can be tricky to find cheap so I was surprised to find this Walther's GP15 for $65. I got one of their engines in 2006 (A ViaRail F40) It's never given me trouble so I was curious to see the quality of this model. It's not high-end but is still seems decent for the price.
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I think what that is, is the old Proto 1000 GP15 with an upgraded drive to eliminate the gears that crack, and some of the detail left off, the end grabs and so forth, or molded on, as in the swing hangers on the truck sideframes.
It's confusing because Walthers had their own GP15-1 before they bought out Life-Like's assets which was a Trainline engine and had a lower level of detail. I'd have to sit down and look at the two to determine which that is by comparing shell details. I haven't handled either one in a long time, I think I have one of the original Walthers ones here somewhere but the one or two Protos I ever had were things I got to sell.
To install the plow you remove the base of the pilot, you can see the holes from the inside when you show the bottom of the engine. It probably just presses back off.
Glad you brought that up on the ex Proto 1000 tooling, although I think it is the Walthers Mainline version of this locomotive, which does come either DCC ready or equipped with DCC/sound. The version Harrison has is more than likely the original Walthers tooling, just updated a bit. I say that because there's also 2 versions of the GP9 Walthers has, the original Trainline tooling (GP9M only) and an all new Mainline version which includes both the hi hood and chop nose versions.
@@randallellison6421 The Walthers Trainline GP9M uses the old Cox shell, which is a clone of Athearn but with a low nose. The new Mainline one is based on Proto tooling but they leave a lot of the detail for the modeler to add.
This GP15 just the way the shell is cut and detailed makes me think it's the Proto but like I said I'd have to get mine out and look it over.
@@CR7659 ok that explains alot on where the GP9M tooling came from. I also have an old Trainline GP15-1 and after rewatching this video, I notice some differences between this current release and the one I have, but like you, I'll have to examine mine more to see just how much Walthers changed this Model compared to the nearly 20 year old version I have. Thanks for the info.
@@randallellison6421 The Trainline series is just the original line from the 1990's. Walthers needed a way to help distinish between their levels. Low is Trainline. Mid is Mainline and Proto is top line. Also, the Cox shell has been retooled a lot.
@@randallellison6421 Walthers’ only Original locomotives in the Trainline range is the GP15 and the F40PH. The ALCO FA1 is an old Trains Miniatures Model and the GP9M is the old Cox locomotive based off the Athearn GP9
Actually really good quality for the price. Atlas Trainman and Athearn Roundhouse are branded as budget locomotives but cost as much as the top of the line stuff. This Walthers GP15 has the same quality and details put in but a far better price.
I like Atlas and Athearn but I agree with you - the quality isn't significantly better but the price is much higher.
@@SMTMainline and this we need cheap new locomotive.
i guarantee you its a 3-pole motor
I have a Walthers GP20 and I've had it for almost a decade. I believe a year ago I ran it and it ran amazing. For some reason those Walthers engines are fine runners, even without a lot of lubrication. As of right now I don't know the condition of the internals of it, but the shell is destroyed (Mainly because I bought it at a time where I destroyed everything lol.)
Good to hear you have one that's been running that long. I've noticed that they don't need much oil as well, I believe since the nylon is a low friction material, they can run fine with hardly any lubricant.
the gears are made of an acetal plastic (a knock-off of dupont delrin) that is self-lubricating.
I've had pretty good experiences with Walthers, I have a DC power Santa Fe GP9M from 2017 and it still works great 👍
That's good to hear.
Well folks time for some good old smt
Some basic info on the loco, it is a GP15-1, which EMD introduced in around the late 70's, as an alternative to rebuilding early diesel locos. It was never designed as a mainline locomotive, as it only boasted 1,500hp. So they were mainly assigned to either yard work or switching duties. A pair of UPY ones currently work the yard nearest to me.
Which is perfect for a starter loco, as most people starting out would only have a small amount of track, and not much space. So its good for a small loop track or small switching layout.
Also the lack of detail doesn't show it too well, but if you look at the rear of the loco, it has a rear intake design similar to a SD40T-2 or SD45T-2, which some people have since called GP15's "Baby Tunnel Motors".
I have an old Walther's Chicago and northwestern exactly like that but it is old but it still runs well it is one my dad gave me when I was 5 (yes I also had Bachmann starter sets when I was 5) and it has some more sentimental value becuz my dad worked for the Chicago and northwestern back in the 1970s and the Milwaukee road at the same time I am now a 12 year old with that same Walther's engine for almost eight years I'm almost 13 and it still runs
The 1545 is an ex-Conrail unit. I would put the F for front on the front end of the frame, ought to be easy to do. You got a fairly good little runner.
Thank you for sharing and giving your personal review on it. It was a surprise when you cracked it open. I always enjoy your videos. If I don't win the contest I may look into buying one like this for my brother-in-law for his birthday as he has said he wants to convert over to HO from N scale as it is getting hard for him to work on the small scale. I thought it would be nice to get him his first HO locomotive. Again thank you for sharing with everyone. 💕😊💕🇺🇸
I don't think they did too bad a job on this model. It could be perfect for someone starting off in the hobby.
They are definitely a competent model. The plow looks like you can pop off the current pilot treatment and swap it for the plow casting if you like that Michigan feeling. It wouldn't be hard to add some bling, sound decoder, more blinky lights, and otherwise put some onions on its belt.
For the price, I'm impressed.
....because that's how we did things back in the day.
I’ve seen this locomotive on Amazon before and I’ve been reluctant to add it to my list. I definitely appreciate this review. I also just want to say that the HO scale locomotive you sent me for the 10,000 subs giveaway still runs very well and is one of my favorites in my collection.
I don’t need it I don’t need it I definitely don’t need it I don’t need it I don’t need it!
I NEED IT!!!!!
If this thing stands the tests of time properly, I will be very impressed.
I got one for 15 dollars including shipping off eBay but it didn’t have side rails and it didn’t have number boards
But runs great haven’t had a day’s trouble with it
I have the GP9M from Walthers Trainline and it was super easy to fit with a decoder. It runs really well and is my main switcher now
I have a Wisconsin central gp-9m and it is the best runner in my collection, I got it for $25 BRAND NEW and the thing is fantastic
I got one of these for Christmas from my grandpa. It was the one in the UP yard scheme. He got me into the hobby and pays my way through it 😂
The shell dates back to a Life-Like proto 1000 design. Walthers mainline used it, but with a better drive system. Now Trainline uses it, but the drive isn't as smooth. But they are very reliable. To install the snowplow, you need to remove the piece under the coupler.
Love your review style. This budget engine looks exactly what the hobby needs. Hope its in many road schemes.
People like you are the greatest help to beginners on a budget
If you got some drill bits, along with some windshield wipers, uncoupling levers, mu hoses, ditchlights along with any other details to make it accurate to the actual engine, you got yourself a Proto Engine, for a fraction of the cost
That's true, just need the skills and supplies.
exactly, it wouldn't take many detail parts to make it unique. I was surprised walthers even added the snowplow, nice touch imo
That's a gorgeous GP15. Never knew a budget locomotive could be a good treasure for your collection.
I'm more than happy with the performance of this engine. Runs Strong and steady and quiet. Thanks for Poppin the hood.
I actually have an older version of this locomotive. I bought it used and aside from cleaning the pick ups and some basic lubrication it works fine especially at slower speeds. Mine has a shell that has clips and also a motor that can't be removed but, overall it's a quality locomotive.
How long have you had it for?
Year and a half but I use n scale/ hon30 so the locomotive sat for a good 6 months between uses but after a quick clean and lubrication it ran just fine.
The locomotive was part of a walthers train line set and I think its atleast 4-6 yrs old in total
Looks like a great start up Loco. I am looking into the Model Train and this is very helpful. Thank you!
My first individually purchased locomotive was also a Walthers Trainline! I had gotten a CN GP9M. That was in 08 or 09 and she's still going strong till this day!
one of my first locomotives was a train line and it’s still a runner to this day. i even bought one off of amazon about a year ago and i’ve never had problems with either locomotive
How long have you had your first one for?
@@SMTMainline well over 10 years
Great purchase Harrison and really good to have your assessment of its performance and quality. Big cuddles to Nerf Cat… hope he’s liking the summer
I got the CP version for Christmas last year
How has it run since then?
That CSX locomotive looks sharp on your layout.
Very cool locomotive Harrison, Walthers makes good stuff, especially for the budget conscious market. Incidentally the plows that came with the locomotive can be installed by simply removing the footboards on the front and rear pilots. They're actually to help enhance the look of the locomotive to match the era its running in as some of these GP15s were originally delivered with footboards on the front and rear pilots. Also there are actually 2 versions of this locomotive, the Trainline version that you have and a Mainline version (ex Proto 1000 tooling) which comes either DCC ready or equipped with DCC/SOUND.
Thanks for all the information
@@SMTMainline no problem
Very good investment Harrison! :) KUDOS! Excellent Observation and demonstration of hauling cars!
Walthers trainline has always been a reliable and affordable line. Great video! Very solid review.
Very nice to see you back SMT!
Thanks lol
Honestly, for a beginner, running well is probably *the* most important feature. If it barely works, people will bounce off. Then being reasonably sturdy - it doesn't have to survive a six foot fall onto concrete, but should be okay if you fumble a bit putting it on the layout. A newbie won't have the skills to effect a repair yet.
It looks like this was actually designed with those needs in mind, which is great to see.
I tend to agree. Getting started is complicated enough, adding problems might discourage people.
For the engine to be DCC ready the motor needs to be isolated and this one has the added bonus of everything going to a board that can be replace.
I bought this earlier in the year, and I'm really happy with it. It's a DC unit. Mine is the Santa Fe road name. It's painted red with silver hood. It looks great, runs great, and pulls great. For the plows, you have to remove what's there and snap in the new pieces. More info on the Walthers site.
for a budget model that is not bad at all.
Great looking model .
I will say I never had Walthers trainline however it does look like a nice model for the price I'm sure that it's a great speed match to a athearn or proto 1000/ 2000 locomotives. Very nice review. The only thing I have that is Walthers type is a couple Freight cars that have metal axles and Kadee couplers that came with them even though I bought them used they are quite amazing models for box cars they also have been discontinued since probably about 10 years ago.
I remember when these Trainline GP15’s were first released, it was late 1998. They haven’t changed much since then, save for the metal couplers you pointed out. Trainline models never were highly detailed but they’re solid runners, and a good starting point for a superdetailing project since the basics on the shell are pretty good
The chassis, shell, and motor are from the Proto 1000 model that came out about a decade ago. It's not the original Trainline version.
Good Engines. Never give me any trouble. Run them a lot!
Recent subscriber to the channel, and just getting back into ho/n scale for the first time in many years, love the videos and the repairs, I have an old locomotive which I would love to send to you to feature on a repair episode
wow thanks for this experiment its very helpful and makes for some very good content i can't wait for your next video
I have some of these and they run just fine. Good quality for the cost.
Thanks for this vid smt, ive been wanting a loco like that and now with ur video i will go buy one, as long as my mom lets me, but thanks love ur vids
Thats a snow plow. Left off because not all engines have them. Check prototype pics. Mark and drill holes and glue it on. Not a bad loco once you add details
When you get a chance look at the drive wheels on the AFT and the Daylight locomotives and see if they have a star on them. AFT stands for American Freedom Train
Harrison, if you want to do a small modification to the front headlight, you can try soldering in a Deans micro T connector to allow you to disconnect the headlight from the circuit card which will allow you to remove the entire shell without any problems.
Being HO, anything is "DCC ready" as its VERY easy to DCC even an OLD Athern Blue Box (did a U33C and it was a non flywheel version too and it runs wonderfully). It should be considered DCC "friendly" since you have all the wires for motor/power/lights all right there so it would be very easy to do it.
Excellent review, ty 👍🏼
My first engine was the Norfolk Southern paint of this model. The only thing I really don’t like about it is the railings since they’re very flimsy, but other than that it’s amazing for the price. Solid recommendation for beginners
Nice! I’m getting this locomotive in a UP paint scheme today.
That looks like a pretty decent budget unit. Good thing about the GP15 is that most of them don't have a bunch of roof detail to worry about such as Dynamic brakes, round radiator fans, etc. So a pretty logical choice for a cheap body mold. I'm very impressed by the large dual flywheels and large motor. If memory serves me right you don't get flywheels in Bachmann's entry level HO offerings. Looks like Nickel Silver wheels, pretty sturdy gear setup despite being nylon, looks to be well lubricated out of the box. Out of curiosity I also searched Amazon and the cheapest DC Road Switcher I could find was the Trainline GP15 as well but in BNSF colors. I did find a cheaper DC locomotive, though. It's the Plymouth DDT Industrial Switcher - Standard DC in Canadian National by Model Power at only $30US Nice review! But didn't Model Power go out of business? I may have them mixed up with somebody else.
My dad and I still have our CSX diesel locomotive we put it around train track down in the basement!! Good job in find it 👍👍👍, Harrison ! Very good locomotive 🚂 and cheap !
I have a Trainline GP9M that I added an NCE DCC decoder in myself. Still pretty good runners after having mine for 10 years although it needed some CV adjustments for smoother running. I may wind up getting a Trainline GP15-1 to do a superdetailing project and a DCC and ESU v5 installation, as it looks to technically be DCC ready which can be achieved by swapping the board. Looks the white plastic thing at the back can be swapped for a speaker too.
I agree with the points made in this video. I have had a Walthers GP15-1 like this one (except in the BNSF H1 scheme) and I must say it is very good for the money!
Great video as always ! Sent you a. box of goodies. Should be there in a couple of weeks. Take care !
You could always put a decoder in it if you switch to dcc& adding a few details and it would be a great engine with sound. Nice review.
A good starter locomotive for young people wishing to get started or for those on a tight budget. Smooth dive and excellent paint with KD compatible couplers should perform well.
I have seen these gp15 after people detail them and they make them look amazing.
I like the new buildings on the layout
Nice review! A little tip if you ever get more of these locomotives, the little thing attached to the plow right below the coupler is what prevents the frame from coming off with the coupler attached. Being an owner of 5 Walthers GP15-1s I find it a little unnecessary to take the coupler out every time I have to get inside a locomotive. What you can do instead to save a lot of time and effort is remove those things that prevent the shell from coming off. They are easily removable and reattach. The only time I've ever had to actually take the coupler out was when I had to replace a damaged coupler and even then it was very simple. I don't know if you'll see this but I hope it helps if you didn't know already.
I wasn’t aware of that, I’ll have a look. Thanks for the advice.
Great job Harrison.
Not sure if anyone answered this, but to attach the snowplow to the front, you have to take the little bar thing off where it would go, it goes in with two little pegs like the snow plow and you can just swap them out.
You got a good deal, the price, sweeeeeet.
I don't buy any of the low end locomotives, but I have friends that do, and a few owns that same exact unit. I'm impressed by the drive train and operations.
Sweet, I might actually consider getting one now. 👍
just ordered the Conrail version of this loco....it will be here in a couple days. cant wait to get it rolling on the layout.
That's pretty good for the money. I have a Trainline GP9M that uses the same drivetrain. It's not the world's best slow speed runner, but it's pretty smooth and quiet once it's going, and for the price, I can't complain.
My first model train locomotive was a Walthers union pacific 287 and it still works like it’s brand new when it’s like 15 years old
I have a Trainline GP15-1 UP, it works very well, another one is i like your video.
Quick tip for the future
Piece to trip the couplers: coupler cut bar
Cables to connect other locomotives: MU cables
Missouri Pacific had a bunch of these GP 15s from the mid 70s that still hustle on UP rails in yellow as of 2021
Here in Germany, we had once a locomotive from PIKO, a class ES642U electric locomotivefor 50 Euros brand new. It was an excellent Deal, especially considering the high quality.
What power pack/supply would you recommend for someone - me - just getting started back into model railroading? I see the MRC Sound & Power 7000 on your layout in the video. I read something in the downloadable pdf manual about never connecting a D.C. locomotive to A.C. terminals of the Sound & Power 7000. Is there a power pack/supply that should not be used with this locomotive? Thanks in advance for your help and answers.
I think if you had extra DCC or DCC/with sound laying around from an upgrade you could make it work. as well looks like you could 3D print other shells for it or proto it out. I been looking for a base for creating a few Seaboard Coastline switchers. I think you just solved my need, thank you.
Harrison, you have to put some kind of light paint on the mounting posts on the plows. Then you put the locomotive on the track and use a piece of plastic or cardboard that's about 1/8 of an inch think to set the plows on and touch it to the locomotive which will leave paint marks on the pilot. Then drill holes where the paint marks are and mount the plows. But, you will have to trim the footboards at the bottom of the pilots off or the plows won't mount properly. Besides, you don't have to mount the plows as they are optional parts. I would leave them off as the GP15-1 locomotives were usually for yards and switching and most didn't have the plows.
Right on SMT... I love CSX trains with blue n yellow.. wonder if you can get the six axle version..cool stuff man!!
My thoughts: the value equals the price. There are detail parts that could be add by the consumer to dress it up. IMHO, the drive train and the shell lends it to possibilities while leaving it affordable. This reminds of the late 80's to mid 90's Athearn locomotives. This could lead to possibilities for someone who like DIY projects which were popular during the time mentioned.
Couldn't agree more!
A unit like that looked good for what it was. It ran smooth, and at 3' and pulling cars the missing grab irons weren't that noticeable. If you add them and some air hoses you could make it a unit you had some pride in for dressing up but still have a rugged unit for running on display layouts and train shows. Good to see Walthers still keeping that market alive.
Great review, new sub
Their great locos I have a CSX GP9 and I love it. BTW that's a snow plow that they threw in
Looks really nice for the price! And is a not so common model, interesting!
Hi I have a question about where you were able to purchase your GO transit train loco's and rolling stock? I haven't been able to find anything for sale. I used to take the GO all the time when I lived in Oshawa, On.
1:35 “the box doesn’t matter” Athern Genesis SD70ACe packaging:👁️👄👁️
Good candidate for some weathering and some add-ons.
Just wait until we have an AmazonBasics starter set.
Muito legal a tua coleção!
I once saw a Bachmann N scale CSX GP40 going for $40 USD on Amazon. Pretty good deals out there as long as you know where to look
I've had good luck with Walthers Trainline, I have a DCC Rio Grande GP9M locomotive and it runs fantastically and it's pretty reliable.
Walther's has a starter set that that loco is in. It uses Power-Loc track from Life-Like. It is cheaper than some of Bachman's starter sets, and possibly miles above in quality.
I have yet to see one cheaper then a bachmann set but I don't doubt the quality is better.
Looks Great.
Definitely a nice Loco. Walthers is good about putting effort into quality running gear over super fine detail or features.
I’ve got a couple of these Walther’s GP-15 locos in Missouri Pacific livery and I really like them.
The model railroad club I belong to switched to DCC not too long ago so I haven’t been able to run them for a bit. I see a DCC conversion in my future.
the beauty of this is short wheelbase looks prototypeish on curves
I want to get one but there's two I want. the CSX and the Canadian Pacific so which one would you recommend out of the two paint schemes?
i just bought one because I found out that Walthers bought LIfe Like and My Life Like from the late 1990s still fly around the track and beat Bachmann in performance. I am terrible at maintenance too. Because I'm terrible at maintenance, etc. I stay away from AHM used models and TYCOS, even though I grew up with them as a kid. I do love how the entire cab lit up on the old H.O. models while the new are more realistic, not as fun with the lights off. Also, Does anyone else hate Knuckle Couplings?
Walthers train line is literally the best beginner line. All the rolling stock is cheap and good quality. The locos have the drive and weight from a walthers proto. I love walthers ,all of there different level of detail. I would recommend the walthers train line flyer starter set to a beginner
I wish their starter sets were just a bit cheaper.
Just bought my first HO scale set from Amazon, which will come in on Sunday. Haven’t ran trains since I was like 8, since the old loco and rolling stock was lost. Loco was too damaged inside for repairs, and my mother had the brilliant idea of selling all the rolling stock. Hopefully Bachmann will be generous with the BNSF. Would have gone with the Chessie Special… but I’m a bit picky, since the loco had the C&O logo, not the B&O. Might buy that one anyways some day.
Love it bro!!!
I have a locomotive that is also from slathers train line, it’s a Santa Fe GP20-2 and it runs pretty smooth, not to mention most of my train cars are also slathers train line, I think it’s a good brand and it’s reliable, the problem I have with my locomotive is that at low speeds it tends to bog out a little bit. But besides that it’s a good brand, I’d recommend it for beginners
You shouldn't have any problems with that loco or any recent Walthers Trainline models. Their detail isn't great but their pulling power and reliability is still excellent. I have a BNSF GP9M I've had for years and it sees heavy use because it's so reliable.
It sounds like there's no old school modelers out there ,you need to drill holes for grab irons, also for plow it has a can motor and you were surprised the operation of it, compare to other locos ,with 4 wheel pick up dcc ready paint well not to bad, I would consider it a mid grade, seems to run excellent. It's far from being crap that's insulting to many locos out there.
You have to drill small holes into the pilot to mount that plow or use the plow on another locomotive model you have.
I had a BN GP9 from them and it worked for 7+ years.
great video