Once again I found myself teetering on the fine line between stupidity and brilliance, with a brand-new Bachmann GP7 under my mitts to consider as a donor for a CF7 chassis expiriment. Not even mine! The $%!!@ body shell WILL NOT come off! The internal Bachmann parts diagram isn't much help either. If I pull any harder on this thing, something is going to break off.... Hmmmm....You don't suppose Mark ever hit this??? http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/loco/bachgp7.html "Shell removal is somewhat difficult, as the thing is on there really tight. I wound up removing the trucks (they pop off easily) and then inserted a small screwdriver between the shell and the chassis up on the cab end. This allowed me to pry the shell up far enough that I was eventually able to pull it off. But yikes, it's a daunting process. One thing to watch out for is the decoder board - if it moves around too much during this process (it tends to want to grab onto the shell), it's possible to mess up the wipers on the board such that they are no longer in contact with the chassis (don't ask me how I know this). Fortunately, they're easily adjusted - just unclip the board from the chassis and restore their downward bend. " Just reminded me of how much help Mark has been to everybody in the scale, whether or not you're a newbie trying to identify exactly what piece of crap is mis-identified in that Ebay listing, or if you're a grizzled veteran trying to figure out how the Chinese put this particular finger puzzle together. What he's done is somewhat of a thankless task somedays, I'd like to start a thread to see that corrected. Post away.
I can't begin to tell you how many times I've used Mark's site to give me the Low Down on a particular Loco or recently a piece of rollingstock. I must strongly agree that Mark's service/information that he has painstakingly provided our Hobby over the years has been an immeasurable value. I too would like to extend a heartfelt thanks for making this hobby I love so much more enjoyable and in many cases saving me countless $$ not spending on a piece of equipment that would have taken some of the enjoyment out of. Thanks Randy for starting this much needed Thread. Keep on doing what you do Mark it is and always will be appreciated and definitely useful for generations to come for all whom love this Hobby.
Hi Randgust, Before you start to hack up anything, be aware that the truck centers wheelbase for the GP7/9 and F-units are not the same, I think the Geeps are longer. Since the prototype CF7's were modified F units, a Geep chassis may be too long to fit under an accurately scaled CF7 shell. Bill in FtL
Well I can add to this some. Since I deal a lot with steam, and some of them are ancient, the photos have often helped me out alot. MiniTrix for example. I've found that I have at least three different versions of tender wiring connections and in chosing the best connection between the tender and the loco and where wires were attached, the photos have been great. Some of the other photos have been of great help also. The realistic assesment of the perforamnce of some is somtimes, but not always, followed by a recomendation that can improve the performance some such as the addition of all wheel pick-up tenders. And if you ever want to know if a freight car, or a locomotive was ever made, and in what roadname, by who and for what company his site is the go to for that information. And if his site states that something is a poorly designed and running POS he is right unless you are the consumate tinkerer, and have a lot of skill then it is best to keep your money in your wallet and not spend it on that POS because you will be buying grief and woe. Sir if it were in my power to bestow a Knighthood on you for your tireless labor on behalf of the modeling community then I would dub thee Sir Mark of the Model Trains. A hale and hearty thankyou for your efforts and site Sir.
See http://www.randgust.com/prod07.htm I designed the kit for the Atlas GP7 chassis and also have modified (with great difficulty) the GP15-1 chassis for those people that get hung up over that foot. The actual body shell is about 6" too long to compensate. The truck centers for the GP7 are therefore 3" too close to the steps on either end to make up that foot. That foot will cost you a good week of extra work on the GP15 and maybe a couple Dremel cutters in the process. If you look at the video, 2471 is on a 2006 Atlas GP7, 2626 is on a 1995 Atlas GP7, and 2615 is on an Atlas GP15-1. See if you can tell. The problem has been the cost and availability of new Atlas GP7's, I've had several requests to see if I could make the less-expensive and available Bachmann chassis work, I now have a donor unit to test for both modifying the frame and possibly using the long hood. Meanwhile, back to Mark.... Where he's really gone above and beyond places that I never knew existed are things like the three different flavors of Con-Cor/Rivarossi/Kato SW1500's with multiple mechanism upgrades all under the same exact body, and also the multiple upgrades and flavors of the Bachmann ATSF 4-8-4's. I can't think of any other two locomotives where the difference between the gems and the gravel are any more distinct, and knowing minor spotting differences on a photo are mandatory.
I want to add my thanks to Mark. I've been using Spookshow for nearly 20 years for just about everything from evaluating and buying, to disassembling and repairing every locomotive I own. Mark, I'm amazed to realize that you are merely a very dedicated human who is providing a wonderful service to all N-Scalers, not the high exalted guru who leaps tall buildings in a single bound that you originally appeared to most of us. OK, so that's over the top, but "thanks" just seems too little to show our appreciation.
+1 I never buy a locomotive without checking Mark's review, and the car encyclopedia is a mine of information as well. (and I really enjoy his layout blog / story)
I personally refeer anyone I can to Mark's site and I offer to host a copy just in case anything goes wrong
Wow, this is just plain embarassing, but thanks to all for your kind words. Much appreciated! And many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the effort over the years Cheers, -Mark
Mark, HUGE props. If ever you thought your efforts were in vain, you thought wrong. You are very much appreciated in our hobby.
Mark who ? :question: Just kidding !!!! Like others...I go to his site often. Invaluable info there for sure !
What they all said. Thanks for your labor of love-- and sticking with it. I also suspect that everything that you test you have to buy first... no freebie review copies...
