1st Generation Geeps - Recommendations / What's best?

[Jesse6669]

I want to try a build with one of the "BigDawgOriginal" GP9 shells and will need a mechanism to power it.  I'd like one with the correct (40') spacing on the trucks.  And reasonably good detailed Blomberg trucks and air tanks.  Seems as if the newer Atlas GP's are in somewhat short supply.. on Ebay most are at least $50 if not $80 or more.  And the old ones don't have the correct spacing if I'm not mistaken?  The LifeLike GP18 and GP20 should also have the same truck spacing, and seem less expensive.  Do they (LL) have the correct spacing?  Are the mechanisms any good on the LifeLike models?   Also anyone ever use the BigDawg shells?  They look pretty good.

[bbussey]

You should still be able to purchase an Atlas GP7 or GP9 from somewhere if you don't care about the deco scheme.  Certain schemes may be scarce, but the models overall are not.

[nickelplate759]

I'm not familiar with BigDawgOriginal - is that someone doing custom shells?

In any event, I've used a Life-Like GP18 mechanism (rev 1 no less) to power an Atlas/Roco GP9.  Wheelbase is fine, but the mechanism is mediocre by current standards, and the trucks (slightly incorrect) and fuel tank (a metal blob) don't look great.     I kept the Life-Like frame, just using the hoods and cab from the GP9.    There are two later versions of the Life-Like GP18 with two different mechanisms.   Both have nice cast plastic fuel tanks, body-mount couplers and correct trucks.    The newest is very fine, and takes a drop-in DCC decoder.  The intermediate one is also good, and heavier than the newest one, but is not DCC ready.

George

[u18b]

I'm with Bryan.

If you are patient (and on ebay)

You should be able to find a GP7 or 9 by Atlas China (not Kato/Japan)

for maybe only 30 bucks or a little more.
It won't be near 80-  if you wait.

[Jesse6669]

You should be able to find a GP7 or 9 by Atlas China (not Kato/Japan)

for maybe only 30 bucks or a little more.
It won't be near 80-  if you wait.

I guess I shouldn't have said "short supply" because there are plenty, but decent used ones that are not priced over $50.  Atlas/China eh? Would this be basically the last 5 years runs?  The ones where handrails are not made of black plastic?

I'm curious about the new LL GP18s but they are also pretty expensive.

I'm not familiar with BigDawgOriginal - is that someone doing custom shells?

Yes--they are on Ebay for $20.  (and I saw a 2nd-hand one for $5). 

Thanks for the information all!

[Mark5]

The Atlas (China) gp7 and gp9 first came out in 1996.

Mark

[bbussey]

I guess I shouldn't have said "short supply" because there are plenty, but decent used ones that are not priced over $50.  Atlas/China eh? Would this be basically the last 5 years runs?  The ones where handrails are not made of black plastic?

I'm curious about the new LL GP18s but they are also pretty expensive.
Yes--they are on Ebay for $20.  (and I saw a 2nd-hand one for $5). 

Thanks for the information all!

An auction price of $50 is more than fair.  But, as Ron stated, you can find one on eBay for $30 if you're patient.

You can go to the Atlas website to see the various releases over the years and identify the Chinese-made offerings.  Basically, the China units are DCC-ready or DCC-equipped, and will have that stated on the box insert.  Atlas/Kato units will not.  I would take the Atlas/China units over the Life-Like GP18 units, but an LL would do in a pinch.

[peteski]

And to get more detailed info about all the models mentioned here see Spookshow's website http://www.spookshow.net/locos.html

[Spikre]

 
   thought the early Geeps had a 32' Wheelbase ??
   or are You measuring something differently ?
       Spikre
         

[Jesse6669]

   thought the early Geeps had a 32' Wheelbase ??
   or are You measuring something differently ?

The 40' is the outside axle to outside axle;  31' from bolster to bolster. 

[u18b]

One of the simple keys (you can ask the seller if no under-shots are given.).

What does the fuel tank say on the bottom.

Japan - Kato  Bad.  Very bad.

China.-  Good, the one you want.

You can also look at the box.

Long skinny box with white foam - Kato

Other boxes- China.


Example-  Kato  (not a bad price in you needed one)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atlas-Great-Northern-GP-7-4304-Road-no-616-/271773573566?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f46f7a1be


You can also look for the HHHHUUUUUGGGGGEEEEE  gap between the steps on the trucks.
Like this one.   That photo is all I need to see to know that this was made for Atlas by Kato.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atlas-GN-GP7-Rd-616-Stk-4304-w-MT-Couplers-/171676610066?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f8b92e12

No offence to any sellers.
Just trying to educate with photos.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Hold on gentlemen!

There are actually TWO versions of the Atlas China Geep mechanisms. The originals, which I wouldn't call "DCC friendly", and the newer ones which are.

Spookshow's write up shows you what you need to know about them:
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp79.html

[bbussey]

Which is why I suggested to look at the packaging to see if the model is the latest design.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I didn't see that.

The important thing is that, if an easy DCC installation is desired, you've gotta get the true latest design (the one from ~2007+, not from 1997-2007). The tricky thing is that I'm not sure what the box spotting features are, because I don't think they put a production date on them.

[jjb62556]

I have 5 I am taking the Madison ,Wisconsin train show next weekend to sell.....5 Canadian Pacific with DCC...$75.00 each... 1 Percision National, DC, New $60.00.....Jim