Weaver GP38-2 - broken universal joint

Try either P&D Hobby Shop in Fraser, MI or Northwest Shortline in MT for the U Joint. Would need to see a close-up of the coupler to offer help.

Thanks - did reach out to P&D based on a Facebook recommendation - I;ll try the others also.  Photo of coupler later.  thanks so much for the referrals!

That's a lot of things wrong for a supposedly "like new" item. Obvious misrepresentation, intentional or otherwise.  I would be extremely upset.

You could file a complaint with ebay and likely get your money refunded. Another option is to look for a donor Weaver engine of the same type and era to use for parts, if you can't find the parts elsewhere.

Rod

I remember buying a few of those engines at the Billy Budd in York.  They were real lookers but it ended there.  They were only $149.00 new.  I remember buying two in D&H.   I would bet you will find those parts aftermarket.  The gearboxes were good.  Maybe NWSL.  

Try Precision Scale, wait till you see their catalog, HUGE!

https://www.precisionscaleco.com/

You need to know the inside diameter prior to searching.

bruce

Thanks Bruce - I'm going out with friends soon, but will check out precisionscaleco as soon as I get a chance!  I appreciate the lead!

I’m not sure there is room for them to fit your particular loco, but I’ve had good luck with Hobbytown Universals on my S scale AM locos. They are marketed as HO, but I think they are more robust than most universals used in other scales. Check with Nick, the current owner, and tell him what you need (shaft sizes).

Bill in FtL

Sorry but I would also contact ebay and file a complaint as those are really not very good engines other than looks. I had B&O A-B-A one A and the B both power both problematic. They did improve there diesels later but any that have the drive shaft where problem matic to the point even weaver wouldn't fix them. At one time they referred you some other guy. 

P&D hobbies bought out the weaver mechanism part inventory when they went to china block drive.   Then they continued to add to the line from their own sources.     Last time I needed anything they still had a decent stock of all the drive parts for the weaver single motor locos, including replacement geared axles for the ones with split gears.   Many originals developed split gears after a year or two.    A buddy of mine who worked with molding said the mfg of the gears was probably running the mold too cool and the plastic was not welding together well enough in the mold when it filled.  

I really like those mechnisms and have a fleet of the single motor versions of the FA and RS3s.    I have to replace a part now and then, but they run beatifully, and smoothly and slowly, not like slot cars

P&D has a website too, P&D Hobbies.

Thanks to all who weighed in to assist in getting this repaired.  I'll check the resources cited and it looks a whole lot more promising than I expected.  I have a lot of irons in the fire, so I'll see if I can get the part - doing the actual repair is down the road somewhere - like most of my other projects -  when someone inherits my stuff I want to make sure they have the parts to fix what I never got around to doing!  

This purchase wasn't from ebay - it was an online auction - I've contacted the auctioneer and he is going to propose a resolution.  Depending on the resolution, I will be satisfied.  The auction house got a 23% commission which is high, so I would expect a decent resolution.  For that high a commission an item listed as "like new" shouldn't come with a drive train that needs to be repaired.  On the other hand, buyer beware - so sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you.  It was $70 and it came with the caboose, so it would make a nice paperweight if nothing else - it is a handsome locomotive!

You can get those drive Train parts form P&D Hobby in Michigan. They still sell that drive for Red Caboose Geeps! The 2 Railers still love those drives as they are not only on Weaver Models but also on "The Car Works" brass diesels from the 1990's.

https://pdhobbyshop.com/show_p...P%26amp%3BD%20Weaver

Back in my HO days, I remember the Athearn GP9 had similar universal joints. Maybe those would work . 

P&D sent me an email with the part number.  They have it in stock and I placed an order.  It was 2 universal joints for $4.00 plus shipping - it is so nice to know the parts are still available - and so nice to know this forum is helpful to members in need.  Thanks everyone!