Athearn Genesis - HO Scale - EMD GP-7 Diesel Locomotive - DCC Ready - Western Pacific (WP) #704 - Gray/Orange/Black With Black/White Lettering & Black Stripes (Era: 1950s+) (SKU 141-82614)
Available On: January 1, 2024
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.
In 1954 EMD upgraded the GP7 to become the 1,750 horsepower GP9. Externally, the first GP9s were virtually unchanged from the last GP7s. Later versions would include different louver arrangements and the last ones would come without the frame skirting. The GP9 was available with all of the fuel tank, steam generator, and dynamic brake options as the GP7, including “torpedo tube” air tanks mounted on the roof.
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.
GP7 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:
SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE
PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE
Western Pacific
When the Western Pacific purchased their first GP7’s in 1952 they became the first Western Class I railroad to fully dieselize their locomotive fleet. With a number of F7’s already in use on the railroad, the WP looked to the GP7 as a more versatile choice to expand its diesel roster and get the last of their steam locomotives off the rails. Since the GP7 was nearly identical mechanically to the F7s it was a logical next step and an attractive advantage to the budget-minded WP. The railroad took delivery of nine GP7 units in 1952, and an additional four in 1953. With this, the days of steam on the WP were over, and a new chapter of railroading in the Feather River Canyon began!
WP FEATURES:
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