Walthers Proto GP9 DCC with Sound Southern Pacific Phase II. DOA, Warranty Repair, Impressions.

I pre-ordered these Walther's Proto Phase II GP9's from Trainworld and received them in October of 2023. Due to circumstances I didn't get an opportunity to run them until October 2023. Both locomotives had issues, one did not run and the other had inop lighting functions. I sent them to Walther's for warranty repair and received them back January 28th 2024. I test the locomotives and give my impressions.

[@bikerbrian6452]

Great layout. They look fantastic 🎉

[@SPSteve]

Thanks! I'm working on another project right now, but I plan to get back to work on the layout soon. Thanks for watching!

[@53maultier]

I enjoyed your review it was well presented. I have made several modeling purchases after watching your past videos. I wish to thank you for taking the time to make this video and the countless other videos that you have made as you work towards detailing your layout with structures and scenery. I am in total agreement that the detail level is below that which is present in Athearn Gneisses GP 7’s & 9’s (mine are WP models).

[@SPSteve]

Thanks so much for watching and for the comment! I greatly appreciate it. I agree that for the money these Walther's Proto models need to be better.

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Very impressive and handsome SP GP9 locomotive models, these have an impressive level of detail features although probably not as much as the Athearn Genesis GP9 models. I like both the Walthers Proto and the Athearn Genesis GP9 models and I might decide to purchase some models for myself in the future, the SP locomotive headlight display features are amazing.

[@SPSteve]

Gotta love the SP light packages!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Nice honest review on the SP GP9's. They are too modern for my railroad because of the paint scheme but I do have a couple of Athearn Genesis SP GP9s in Black Widow and older SSW GP9s from Life Like's P2K line. From the tech's notes, it seems like the issue was all decoder based which can't be fully faulted on Walthers but I know their tooling for their Proto series came from Proto 2K but with newer advanced modifications such as the lighting package. I have installed a different brand of sound decoder in my P2K locomotives than what came in yours and that could be the difference maker on your impressions. Either way, great review! - Jason

[@SPSteve]

Thanks, Jason. I appreciate you watching and the comment. I wouldn't be surprised if much of the tooling is still LL Proto 2000. I think this line is due for an update. One of the locomotives had a decoder problem and the other was a bad motor. Regardless, $630 and both were faulty. They have to do better.

[@TheTrainFreak]

@@SPSteve I only have 1 Walthers Proto locomotive and that's a SP SD9 with Soundtraxx Tsunami 1 sound. It's a very smooth runner and has the massive can lights. Once I get the decoder upgraded to Tsunami 2, I think it will be an improvement for sure!

[@SPSteve]

I have 10 Walther's Proto/ LL Proto 2000 locomotives. 4 locomotives are LL Proto 2000's that I did DCC with sound installs on, the other 6 are Walther's Proto. I have 2 SP Black Widow SD9's DCC & sound with the large can lights. They run fantastic. I have the 2 new GP9's DCC and sound and 2 GP20's DCC and sound. One of the GP20's had a bad frame that I could crumble with my fingers. I used parts from the bad GP20 to repair an Atlas GP40 with a bad motor. I have 3 locomotives on order, I'm hoping they are all good! @@TheTrainFreak

[@irishfaire]

Clicking noise...Usually the simulated compressed air spitter valve. Love the old SP stuff...Nice review 🚂😎

[@SPSteve]

Thanks for watching and for the comment! I love these old SP locomotives as well. The GP9 and SD9 were workhorses on the SP for many years.

[@drewzdrew27]

I have several Athearn Genesis GP9s. Great detail on them. But i am finding them to be rather loud drive trains. lots of whirring/whining. Hopefully i can find a way to get them as quiet as the Walthers Proto units.

[@SPSteve]

I often run my trains with the sound off when I'm working on the layout. Having a nice quiet locomotive is a definite plus and the Walther's locomotives are great in that regard. I'm not sure what you can do to quiet your Genesis models down, maybe try a different gear lube in the trucks?

[@ronaldbrooks5982]

Hit brake for flashing emergency light.

[@IMRROcom]

I know exactly! I have some videos to prove it too :)

[@SPSteve]

Yes, some of it hasn't been pretty. I think I'll pass on Walther's Proto until they get their act together.

[@robmagu65]

You left them in a 100 degrees for two months or more and they had problems. That’s on you I think

[@SPSteve]

I don't think so. I have 2 Walther's Proto SD9's that have been in 100 degree temps for 6+ years and work perfectly. Where I live, we had 145 days over 100 last year.