Description
In 1949 EMD unveiled the GP7, a general-purpose road-switcher that was suitable for a variety of tasks on the railroad. The GP7 went through several production variations, known as “phases” by railroad enthusiasts. “Phase II” units were typified by the addition of a box on the walkways on the fireman’s side, as well as the (optional) addition of dynamic brakes. This undecorated release is a good option for do-it-yourself modelers or freelancers, and comes with a selection of common, optional detail parts as well.
UNDEC FEATURES: Optional parts include... • Dual Leslie A-200s or single S3L horn • Winterization hatch • 1200 and 1600 gallon fuel tanks • Speed recorder • Foot boards • Dual MU receptacles • “Nail”, “Firecracker”, and Sinclair “Ice Skate” antennas
GP7 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:
- Coupler cut levers
- Trainline and MU hoses
- Drop steps unless noted
- MU stands
- “Nub” style walkway tread
- Windshield wiper
- Lift rings
- Wire grab irons
- Windshield wipers
- Sander lines
- NEW! Roof access hatches on non-dynamic units per prototype
- Bell placement & type per prototype
- Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, breather pipes, and retention tanks
- Blomberg-B trucks with appropriate bearing caps
- Speed recorder unless noted
- See-through cab windows and full cab interior
- Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
- Etched metal radiator intake grilles and fan grilles
- Air tanks mounted below sill unless noted
- Body-mounted McHenry® scale knuckle couplers - Kadee® compatible
- DCC-ready features Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
- Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
- Accurately painted and printed paint schemes
- Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain
- All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
- All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
- Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
- LED Lighting for realistic appearance
- Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
- Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage
- Minimum radius: 18”
PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:
In 1949, EMD introduced the GP7. The basic design followed most diesel switchers with the addition of a short hood instead of an end-cab. The hoods were also full height to better accommodate the diesel engine and mechanical and electrical components.
Many railroads chose to rebuild their GP7s and GP9s for continued service. Often times, it was cheaper to do this rather than purchasing brand-new locomotives. Some railroads adopted a GP7R designation to indicate a rebuilt unit.
