Life-Like Proto 2000 (P2K) E-6 Repair Secrets
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2023
- Enjoying 102 deg heat on this wonderful day in July. Suffered a power outage, but still made a Monday Launch. Working on a Classic P2K. Follow along and enjoy
#proto2000
#classicmodeltrains
E-mail me at: classicmodeltrains@aol.com
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Mailing Address: Classic Model Trains
1507 Old Hardin Road
Billings, Mt. 59101
@classicmodeltrains
My second channel mentioned link below.
@RonsClassicRVs
Like the way you go about things - you're gentle. You may not initially understand, but you take your time and think until you do understand and do it right. There's nothing like a 90's Life-Like. Like you, I also believe in "DC", less problems = more fun! The way God meant train models to be!!! Your Life-Like (and mine) will easily outpull two current Walthers!! (The "New" Walthers have less weight) Thanks again - Nice Job!! Nathan in Chicago🇺🇲
Hello Nathan, Thanks for the compliments :-)
The good thing is many Athearn parts fit P2K models so fixing them is VERY easy.
that's because LifeLike copied the athearn models.
I like lots of parts available!!
@@suppylarue220 😀
@@suppylarue220 Sort of ,but the materials they used besides the gears were a step up.The P2K motors have a different armature ,magnets and motor shaft bushings do to the fact the motor shaft is smaller ,Different size motor brushes , Higher torque motor. Iuse to use them to repower Athearn. Great they made them like this for more parts available if needed.
Well done Ron ! Excellent show ! Your custom grab irons are tops !!
Thank you Norman
I also am a DC guy. I just paid $120.00 for an Atlas RS-3 with the Central of Georgia livery, and that's the most I've ever paid for an engine. This one was NOS. My wife won't let me have it until Christmas as it's my Christmas present. I purchased 2 Atlas GP-7's with the Central of Georgia livery and paid $75.00 each and I got them from another modeler who said they were practically new with no run time. I model the Central of Georgia which was bought by Southern which was bought by Norfolk Southern. The latest engine in the lineup are a couple of Tyco GP-38-2's which got repainted to the NS livery. I do allow Southern (#4501 MS Mikado) & others including L&N to run on the layout. Cheers from eastern TN
Right on! Nothing worse than having to "wait" on your X-mas present
Those slant nose E units were the most beautiful locomotives ever built. Especially the E5 in stainless steel!
I completely agree with you Michael!!
I gotta laugh every time you say SUPER LUBE!, we used Super Lube by the cartridge on right angle drive gearboxes in food grade applications, and we used to say SUPER LUBE! the same way you do whenever we used it.
superlube has been around a long time. a quality product, hard to beat.
SUPER LUBE!!!!! It's just fun to say loud!! :-)
I bought a P2K E8 from a train show that had a broken body. I took the motor out and repowered a Athearn SDP45. Made a big difference in performance over a stock Athearn motor.
Right on!
I love the proto series. Common flaw is the axle gears cracking. I've been buying replacements made by Athearn. I also found the file to 3D print them. Wife bought me a Elegoo Saturn 8K Resin 3D printer back in May for my Birthday. Because I wanted to make stuff for my railroad.
those weren't intended to be replacements, they inadvertently became replacements.
sounds like you got a pretty good printer and a pretty good Little Lady :-)
DCC is fun but there are days I wish I never heard of it
I like the way you think!!
Watching the E6 from Essex! Lovely models and a great looking train. Fine work!
Thanks Darren
Hello Ron how you doing buddy you got two locomotives they look cool I hope you're doing fix them and clean them up
Hello Paul! Yup they came out Purdy good!
For Ho my Wife and I Run Lifelike and We ❤️them.
:-)
They have the more slanted nose. Just looking good! I like them because my nose is also more slanted than usual. :-)
Yes the E6 does have a nicer front end for sure.
I love your videos Ron you made me laugh buddy
Thank you Paul!!
Another great demonstration. You not only entertain us, but give us details on how to clean up these engines we all have collected over the years. Thank you for taking the time to show us how to do it right.
Thanks Bob for your kind words once again!!
I love this guy
Thank you Louis :-)
I have a Union Pacific E-6 A-B-B set marked for the "City of San Francisco" named train. The one that proto 1000 did that really impressed me was the Alco DL-109 I swear it's the heaviest locomotive I have and as the old saying goes: "It could pull your eye teeth out." If you find one of those I think you'll be impressed too. I have 6 of them in different New Haven RR schemes. I got a pair in the New Haven "Brooks Brothers" scheme of Hunter Green and silver gray pin striping. To put my Rapido 8600 class cars which are stainless steel and Hunter Green.
Well I hope I run into DL109. I really like the Proto stuff. Even more when the gears are all still good.
I love Life-Like Proto 2000. I buy them when I can.
I won't hesitate to purchase one again.
I believe that the proto models used the Athearn design, if not their drive train. I know that a had a reputation for cracked gears, like the Athearn and other manufacturer models. Replacement gears are the same as Athearn. Love the show...........
Thanks John. Have not quite nailed down if Proto stole the design or licensed it.
Another great video! Love watching these and seeing how you bring these back to life. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks so much John!!
I really enjoy your channel. My short three years in the hobby I been collecting P2K E series. From my experience so far the best details ever with their trucks even better than Rapidos new run of E8/9 series in my opinion. Also here in Canada we have a few E9s. CN rail owns them. Pretty sure two of them. I know one is restored. We also have a bunch of 4-6-4 Hudson steamers and we donated one to a museum in California. 😊
I agree, those P2K E-units are amazingly detailed
@@classicmodeltrains Just found out that Whalthers Proto released a new run of the E9. I want to get one because I'm so curious of the changes that they made.
Go Ron Go!👍
Thanks :-)
Love your videos very informative keep em coming Trimmer from Peterborough Canada
Thanks 👍 Greetings from Billings, Montana
These Proto level models are wonderful - and full of extra maintenance details. Thanks for the help Ron. Great video and great history as always.
Life like really moved the goal posts when they brought these to market back in the day
ACL E3 is running at NCTM or Spencer Shops in North Carolina plus their is a Southern railway E8 which is running too.
Thanks for that good information!!
Wonderful video Ron. I also have a ton of Proto 2000 engines. I like them because they are like Athearn engines in ways. Have a wonderful day my friend.
Thanks Dennis. Yup I won't hesitate to buy another P2K
Thanks, Ron!
:-D
Gorgeous locos. My chief complaint is the often encountered split axle gears. I will need to find a 3D stl file to print my own as they can be hard to come by. You always have great information Ron. I do have one complaint for you however. That passenger siding has more bends and kinks that a bad perm! Down here in Texas, we have these things called Yard Sticks. While most people think it has something to do with length, it is a misconception. The truth is, if you lay that Yard Stick down in your Yard, before you lay track, It tends to make your track straighter. Hence, "Yard Stick." An odd thing I know. As a model railroader, this is the truth I am sticking with! LOL. Your passenger train looks great. Keep on training!
Hello Anthony, My passenger track is indeed crooked. The rails were installed cold (cool) and have expanded. I have not got around to fixing it plus I think it gives that a bit of character. I do use a yard stick when installing my track and have referenced it in a few of my vid's. My OCD makes sure I lay my track arrow straight, the passenger line cannot be "eyeballed" down it very easy so it's easy too not see how crooked it is :-)
@@classicmodeltrains Point made bro. I have seen worse on real track! it has the "used" look of authenticity. The "Yard Stick" just popped into my head and needed an outlet and I figured you would get a kick out of it! Thanks again for all of your great content.
Nice work. Great job. Fantastic piece of engineering...
Thank you M.C. :-)
Hey Ron! Darn good looking engines and passenger cars! Wow! I have a couple of the heritage N-scale steam engines. Really nice . I remember waaay back when the 1980’s like,modelpower were dang near worse than Bachman N . But later Life Like became better. Great info on the brand and history
Thanks Steven! Didnt know model Power made N also. going to have to keep my eyes out for some.
Thank You 😊 Ron
Thanks for watching William :-)
Another great tutorial video
Many thanks!
Thank you!!
The comment you made about the number 5 couplers is spot on! They're not worth dealing with
Wanted to quit the hobby again when I encountered them evil things. :-)
Well done Ron. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching and commenting :-)
Been a railroad fan for many decades & never heard that pleated material between passenger cars (& A & B units) called "bellows". Only ever heard "diaphragms". Might want to look that one up on your interweb machine...
I suffered a brain fart. I know and have used the word "diaphragms" but just fell asleep at the wheel on this one :-/
Nice video! Love when ya upload
Thank you so much :-)
Great job on your video
Thanks Dave!!
Another great video Ron!
Thanks again Rick!!
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy the history that you share with us. Great video Ron.👍
Thanks for watching and commenting :-)
Very nice video.
Thank you
The life like P2K are my favorites! I have a bunch of them. Good detail and STRONG runners.
they are really nice!
Those are great running locomotives, Great work on those grab irons!
It is a rail KING for sure!! Thanks :-)
Very nice video my friend! The LLP2K E6 is a very beautiful and strong
locomotive: good choice you’ve made in showing your work with her.
Thank you Sir!!
the metal grab irons look great.
Thank you Rick!!
Thank you. 👍
You are welcome!
Really enjoyed it Ron. Thanks..with fall and winter coming I'll have to go down and clean some track.
Thanks. I'm looking forward to winter. more time to do train stuff!!
I own 36 Proto 2000 with 2 of them dummies. I have powered several former dummy B units with A chassis. These are powerful runners as you know. I love the channel Ron. Keep it up.
Sounds like you have a lot of power there!! Run into cracked gears on the P2K's?
So I took your advice and got some of that odorless mineral spirits. Smells good. 😂
😂😂
Does a good job of cleaning, and evaporates away quite fast
I bought a heap of Proto 2000 SD50, SD60, SD60Ms back when they were new thanks to great prices back then in Australia. Very nice models. I haven't had the split gear problem at this point of time with the 2000 series but the horrible factory grease has set like bees wax over time. After unassembling trucks and soaking parts in white spirits and a tooth pick then thoroughly scrubbing them with mr muscle kitchen cleaner. I rinsed parts with clean water. After they dried I lubricated parts with La Belle plastic compatible lubricants. Man those engines run like Swiss watches. Always good to watch these types of videos on you tube. Wish they had been around 20 - 30 years ago.
this was my first P2K and it hardly had any grease in it. To bad some of them have old hard grease like yours. Yea I wonder how Fellers learned stuff back in the day....It's so easy to get information now :-)
They were around 20-30 years ago. The E units and a few others . Still running here . Cannot beat their quality and detail for the price.
I really like your videos, Ron , but I have specially enjoyed this one. Beautiful engine(s). And a very good job with those grab irons, by the way.
Thank you very much for your kind words !!
TY
:-)
Those turned out nice! I need to see if I can find myself one of those A units in a Wabash to match some passengers cars I picked up. Fun Video!
Thanks Jason. Good luck on your hunt for your maybe next loco :-)
I have an E7 I'm assuming is similar. I set it aside when it split its gears and have intended to get at it for quite a while. Thanks for posting.
Sorry to hear about the split gears :-(
@@classicmodeltrains I understand that the split gears were pretty common in them.
To make the units a little closer to the prototype, painting the trucks silver would go along way to improving their appearance The silver trucks on UP diesels got replaced with a dark gray long after the E-units were out of service..
I though the same thing. Silver trucks. I need another one of those close coupler Kadee kits and that will get me the needed parts to fix that huge gap.
Yes. The ACL 501 in Spencer does run.
Awesome...Thanks!!!!
Hey Ron, I got an extra cab set- they even put them in powered b units- if you want it. It's in my Alco FB, but it's probably the same. Id mail it to ya for nothing
Hello Danny, I'm not sure what your referencing here? Parts? Parts loco's? Well the price is right and I can always use more stuff to fix the stuff! Thanks !!
Ron, I have the same exact train (A & B) . The diaphragms come with the train. And the Grab Irons, on ever Proto engine I have the parts "fall off" or breakoff. Only difference on mine (eBay find). Someone has added Sound to the B unit. Sorry, it's literally 50/50 I'll see you next week. I'll message you if we still do come your way.
Thanks for the info on the diaphragms. Sounds like Proto still making poor grab irons.
Very interesting and a lot of helpful tips. The only thing I would suggest is using a darker coloured work mat. The white back ground washes out the black truck details the camera can't compensate it. Maybe dark green etc. Otherwise good video.
Thanks Bruce. :-)
They sell these also in Germany… it’s great quality. Unfortunately, Santa Fe versions are rare. And it’s difficult to get streamlined coaches here.
Thanks for the info!
The only thing on there that isn't Athearn is the missing blue box. 😂
Chinese pirates are good at their work
.
he he.... to Funny!! I'll have to remember that one :-)
Further to my last comment; the gears I mentioned were the AXLE GEARS
Researching this LL Proto is the first time I heard about the gear cracking issue. Didnt know that was a thing
The only thing that would make it better would be if the B was powered. Good stuff Ron🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🚃🚃🚃
OOhhhh...... a powered "B" would be amazing. This is the pulling-est Loco I currently own.
SUPER👍👍👍👍👍🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
:-[)
Atlantic Coastlines 501 is still here in Spencer and is operational
Thank you for that information. I would love to see it in person!!!
Great video Ron! I have the Wabash E8 which is very similar. The package actually had two fuel tanks that are "swappable". A small one for short haul and a large one for long haul. Life Like used to be LiFoam. They made insulated foam ice chests back in the day. The plant used to be off I83 in Baltimore City, not far from me. I often wondered if LifeLike asked Athearn for the drives or if they were flat copied. Either way, the E Series is a nice set of locomotives!
Lifoam IS LifeLike.
Thanks Ray. Still wondering if stolen or licensed.
i got 2 life like f units, they are pretty good engines.
right on!
Wow that looks like it was a chore. I have one in CNW, my uncle just picked up one in Southern Pacific. Love how quiet mine runs. The weight and flywheels are massive! Good to know about replacing the handrails. Looks like yours is also missing some of the exhaust stack details on the roof. There should be eight stacks in between the large roof grill details. (4 per engine).
Sure looks like they copied the Athearn drivetrain design. Or maybe they used it under license? It looks ALmost identical. Well, if Athearn came out with thee best drive train, and every other manufacture copies it now days! Now I know what to do to re-lube mine, although I'm sorta dreading taking it apart, it's not like the antique metal engines I like doing, but it sure is a nice runner!
I thought that roof line was a bit vacant. Gotta tell ya.... I like working on the big metal ones also :-)
very impressive! i tend to favor f units, re2s and rs3s and other pre 1960 diesels. i still prefer steam engines tho!
Steam is my Favorite also
I don't think I have any LifeLike engines. I only have 2 Tyco's (the Norfolk Southern GP-38-2's). Mostly Athearn. I stay away from Bachmann as they always have split frames with plastic gears which never last over a year. When you clean the commutator, you should always clean between the bars with a toothpick. Cheers - TN
I agree, Bachmann I avoid like the plague
What's your thought of the future blue-soo-nah-me set ups for older locos ? I dont have a loco yet so I listen to the experience guys & watch the vids. Im a new subber for ya.
Welcome aboard Mark! Thanks for subbing. I don't mess with any fancy control systems. I just keep it simple with good 'ol DC. I hope blue-soo-nah-me has less problems than DCC.
I have a 1982 Life like F7A that came in a limited edition 1982 Campbell's promotional train set but I want to upgrade it to kadee couplers and with a better motor.
Kadee's should be easy enough but re-motor will be a bit tougher
Good Video subject Have a few of these myself .They really set a standard with those trucks .Makes a lot of this newer stuff way overpriced in comparison to how they built these. ! Would like to suggest doing one on a ho Gilbert ALCO DL 600B. Just got one and would like to see if you find the strange defiance's the drive has or has not .I just got mine running with a China 12-24 can motor and DCC .Had to try it .
Hello Adam. I wished I had more Gilbert HO stuff. They are neat to work on for sure.
Think your hand rail fix looks better than original. The metal allows them to be seen and not vanish into the UP armor sand color!
Thanks Erick! I figured a lot of Fellers would give me grief for NOT painting them. But they do really stand out!! :-)
@@classicmodeltrains when I put railings on my locomotive I leave the the metal 9 times out of 10. I just like the look as I’m not trying to make them perfect. I like the ascetic!!
bellows? are you trying to stoke a fire? maybe you could use a diaphragm 😼
DANG IT!!!!! Blew that one. Ive heard diaphragm many times before and just brain froze on bellows..... :-/
Also in E-6 passenger era, fireman was still employed and when not checking the steam generators sat in the left hand seat. Not a conductor ’cause the conductor would be busy taking tickets.
@@railscenes4959 & the "fireman" was mandated by unions of the period up well into the late sixties.
most of the time the fireman was company for conversation.
@@classicmodeltrains those diaphragms do bare Strong resemblance to Bellows found on a vintage camera.
There’s always one , huh Ron?
Do the close coupling adapters actually work and make them close coupling ? Always wondered how to do it myself ,but it seems the swivel part needs to be a lot shorter .Had the proto PA version and they come factory close coupling .Very nice as their FA's also. For some reason they never made the E units like that humm?
I think the close coupling conversion was better, but not prototypical.
What Would Be Awsome to See is You,Harrison And Dirty Dan in One Room With A Truck of Broken Engines In Ho. And have a Party to Fix Engines.
It would be interesting :-)
sexy looking E's. I love the streamlined units both E and F. Now for your DL109!? Any chance you have an FL9?
I like the E better than the F. F's are everywhere. E's are a bit unusual. Don't have a DL109 or FL9. Something new to buy!!!!!!!!
@@classicmodeltrains On my list of units to buy. The dl109 is a large sleek unit but the fl9 is a curious one. There is a museum somewhere with many restored streamlined units. I may get there one of these days.
looks about like an athearn motor.
Yup, Very similar
LifeLike got out of the model train business to focus on their money making products, primarily Lifoam Styrofoam coolers.
Yup. Did a whole life like history back in the 4 days of July video's last year. Funny how foam stuff is more profitable :-)
@@classicmodeltrains giant worldwide market for those coolers.
cheap to make, and all major retailers want to sell them. easily damaged and so low priced they are throwaways. you probably have had more than a few in your lifetime.
practical with ice to get frozen foods and meats home safely.
I remember when the first Proto 2000 BL2 came out from Life-Like. It was an amazing locomotive, and it was way better than the AHM BL2 that was previously offered. There is one thing that often made me wonder about the drive train on the Proto 2000 locomotives. Did they copy the Athearn drive with some tweaks or did Athearn provide the drive train parts. I lean towards the copy theory, and they may have been able to get away with due to a lack of trademark patent by Athearn. Uncle Irv may have given Life-Like his blessing or Life-Like may have actually acquired license on the patent. This detail of the drive line was never explained, or I may have missed the news when released.
PS: I like the handrail replacement. This would be something that I would replace the broken plastic handrails.
From what I understand, is that the LL motor LOOKS the same as an Athearn, they are slightly different, around the brush holder area, & I think the shaft size is different, but interchangeable. As for the driveline, yea I d say LL copied Athearn, on that one, as LL ALWAYS had cracking gear problem, on the 4 axle diesels, whereas, Athearn never had that problem. Later, LL changed their driveshafts, to have their own universals, instead of the Athearn copy of the ball joint system. LL....great stuff, & way ahead of their time. I think they were one of the first manufacturers to offer their models, DCC ready, when no one even knew what DCC, was, even though their first models, werent. Thanks Ron, for the video. Yea, those e units were pretty similar to their PA s.I have one of them, & completely different drivetrain, I see. They have a slightly higher gear ratio, by adapting a spur gear(agear head with a large& a small set of gears, on the one gear)arrangement, at the top, where the worm connects, giving it the different gear ratio. It has a can motor, but with those huge flywheels, it takes a full ten seconds, to come to a stop, from 12 volts.. Thanks again. Always a pleasure. Michael NZ
you mean pirated athearn designs.
I have not been able to find out if the design was stolen or licensed.
Thanks for the good information Michael :-)
U P has 2 e 8 in operating in condition
I see the #942 mentioned but what is the other operating one?
@@classicmodeltrains 949, 951 and 963B These are the on the Union Pacific history equipment locomotive roster
and thay all run!
Are the shells for different E units compatible with the same frame? Like if a buy a cheap unpopular road name and use the body to power an uncovered b unit for instance?
get a hold of 1990s LifeLike exploded parts drawings and you will see many parts are interchangeable among their models.
@suppylarue220 I only car about the shell from one fitting on the drive of another, so If I buy an ab set where the b is not powered I can buy a powered a or b of another e model, say and e8/9 instead of an e 6 and use it to power the b
the frames are different for each-584868 e6a
584864 e6b
584701 e8a
584813 e7a
I noticed the trucks in the "B" were just like the trucks in the "A". just no gears. same tower and retention clip. The "B" body screwed onto the "B" frame unlike the "A" body was a spread open to fit. I suppose if a Feller really wanted to make one he could with out too much problems.
@@suppylarue220 crap
Pity the B units aren’t powered…
It would be one heck of a puller if they were!!
rebranded athearn? hmmmm
you mean pirated Athearn.
Nope. Athearn's patents would have expired by that time, as they came out in the 1960's. 20-25 years is usually the life of a US patent. Atlas also used a similar drive line in their 1970's vintage units. US Courts usually hold an exact copy is pirated, and therefore a company has standing to seek damages. However, a concept cannot be patented. This came out of the 1920's when both the Wright Brothers and the automotive association were suing everyone who used flight controls and the automotive drive-train without paying royalties.
makes me wonder also......
Athearn clones
makes a Feller wonder
Hey Ron, whats up
Hello John! Enjoying a few cool evenings with light rain and cold beer currently :-)
@@classicmodeltrains ya It's torture here in florida but beer is very cold👍