GP-7 models, w/out dynamic brakes

[Flatrat]

I recently thought of buying a GP-7 for my western maryland layout. I want an engine w/out dyn brakes. I'd be happy repainting/decaling another roadname but haven't found any on the usual sites I look at. Anybody seen any of these engines for sale lately? Where can I find one? Not running DCC so a basic model would suffice.

[Burlington Bob]

Try Brooklyn Locomotive Works

 http://blwnscale.com/atlas-gp7.htm

Or Model Train Stuff

 http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-Locomotives-s/1437.htm

Looks like you'll have to get one painted for another road and do a repaint.

[Flatrat]

Oh yeah. Nobody's got WM stuff so repainting is a given. I think Brooklyn had a Frisco w/out dyn. brakes that might suffice. I was wondering if anyone had seen some other basic GP7 engines laying around. I'll go check model train stuff.

Is Atlas the only one making this engine model these days? How well do they run from other's experience?

Thanks,
S

[peteski]

Besides Atlas GP7/9 (both the original Kato one and the new "made in China" one) the only other Geep I know of was made by Arnold Rapido in the early 70s.  The current Atlas model runs as well as other current Atlas locos.

Atlas: http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/loco/atlasgp79.html

Arnold: http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/loco/arnoldgp.html

I recommend Mark's website for good evaluations of all N scale locos.

[brokemoto]

The Atlas GP-7s of Chinese manufacture are good runners.  If you can get one of the later versions, with the 'scale speed motor', those are the best of all.  Most of the later versions have the foam cradle in the box, as opposed to the plastic cradle.

While many will still sing the praises of the Atlas/Kato, I was always somewhat less than impressed with the performance of those that did not have flywheels.  To be sure, when they appeared, they represented a major improvement in performance for N scale power.  Up to that time, the only decent performing N scale power were the Con-Cor hudsons and PAs.  The old A/K GP-7s lack flywheels (as do the RS-3s, RSD-4s. GP-9s, RS-11s and RSD-12s).  In addition, they were finicky and tended to stall on less-than-professional grade trackwork.  More than a few owners have posted here, and on other forums, that they used to hardwire a pair together.  This, for the most part, did address their problems.  Finally, Kato used the same split frame pieces on the GPs that it used on the RSs.  The only difference was the use of EMD trucks, in place of the ALCo trucks, and, of course, the GP shells.  This resulted in a locomotive with an incorrect wheelbase.  N scale of Nevada did sell a kit to correct that.  The few to whom I spoke that actually tried the correction stated that it worked as well as the original, but that it was necessary to re-do the break-in.

Kato used the same frame pieces for the RSD-4, RS-11 and RSD-12.  This resulted in a slightly incorrect wheelbase for the latter two, but it did not stand out as much as it did on the GP-7/9.  The RSD-4 did stall less than did the others, as a result of its additional live axle.  I would suspect that the RSD-12 performed in similar fashion, but I never had one, so I can not state for certain anything about it.

Some reported that putting TOPOL into the trucks of the A/ks that did not have flywheels, during break-in, improved the performance.  Those who did this, did, for the most part, give a caution that it was necessary to disassemble the locomotive COMPLETELY after break-in and clean it thoroughly to make sure that all of the gunk was gone.

I would try to purchase a later Atlas locomotive of Chinese manufacture.  The A/Ks may have been good for their time, but they have been superceded by better performing power.  I do have both versions of the Atlas GP-7s and GP-9s of Chinese manufacture.  I am happy with both.

[NARmike]

Here's a couple undecs on the Bay... Nothing in WM paint:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-SCALE-BY-KATO-FOR-ATLAS-GP-7-UNDECORATED-SUPER-NICE-/290821520053?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item43b6503ab5

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atlas-N-48200-Diesel-GP7-Ph-2-Undec-D-B-New-/230824344264?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item35be33fac8

Or... if you already have an Atlas GP 7/9 mechanism...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-GP7-Phase-1-COMPLETE-Body-Shell-Assembly-Undecorate-NON-DYNAMIC-ATLAS-N-Scale-/370700212644?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item564f7459a4

[Bob Bufkin]

What is TOPAL?

[Burlington Bob]

Topal is a toothpaste used to whiten teeth.  Using it would be the same as using Pearl Drops toothpaste for a break in period that some recommend for Athearn locos.  http://www.mcor-nmra.org/publications/articles/athearn_tuneup.html

[Burlington Bob]

Bachmann makes a GP7 that has gotten good reviews, but I believe it is only available as a dynamic brake version with DCC.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-GP-7-p/bac-62456.htm

[sizemore]

Flatrat,
Atlas released their GP9 in WM Speed Script which is appropriate for 1956 onwards. If you can bend time just a tad you could get away with the GP9 for the later half of the 50's. Additionally Atlas released another run of the phase 1 undec GP-7 non/db.

I picked up all three of the WM GP-9's and they are fantastic!

The S.

[Philip H]

Bachmann also makes a non-DB GP7

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-GP-7-p/bac-62453.htm

[fredmoehrle]

Did the WM have non-dynamic loco's?
The new run of Atlas GP-9's should be hitting the stores in the next week or so.
Just the black w/ yellow strip scheme.

[lock4244]

"TOPAL, the smokers toothpolish" 

Anyone remember that?

[peteski]

Doh!  I forgot about the Bachmann Geeps!  They sort of quietly entered the market and IMO, aren't very impressive when compared to Atlas.  Hmmm, maybe I *DIDN'T* want to remember them....

[pennsyfan1361]

I would get the Atlas GP-7 stay away from the old Atlas/Kato they are made wrong body too long mech wrong size. John Coots of NSN made a kit to make them look better, but loco is wrong size. You can get a Atlas on Ebay for around $20-$30 dollars.      Rich