I believe MT's GP9s will be out in December. The best I've heard for AZL's is "late 2006". Will they make it to market first? I assume the GP7/9s will use the same metal-panel technique as the SD70 series to get a scale width hood? Which versions/variants wil be released? First, the likely ones: (This much variety would be unheard of for MT, but I'm talking about a manufacturer used to brass. ) -Dynamic/non-dynamic brakes? -Different phases? Which ones? -Road-specific details, such as SP light packages? Somewhat less likely: -Chop-nose versions? They are very common. Unlikely: -GP9Bs, for UP, PRR/PC/CR and BN/BNSF?
Probably first out will be the first phase, dynamics, and high nose. From there, we'll have to hack 'em up!
Here is what I know so far. It looks like we could see the AZL GP7 and GP9 around the same time the MTL GP9s are coming on the market. I have only head of the high nose version being released. I am going to assume that AZL will go with the brass/plastic hybrid body to keep the width correct. This technique works great on the SD70s. I have no information on variants or roadnames. I am going to say that in less than 20 minutes, Robert Ray will have a completely different GP loco after he opens he package. Rob
Well, I do have mods planned, and materials and decals readied. The plan is to extend the fuel tanks to cover the air tanks, and put new air tanks on the roof, AKA Torpedo Tubes, then paint in Northern Pacific! The key to success, is to measure my N Scale GP's and prep all the parts ahead of the release, so I can get down. By the way, I want these locos way more than I want GP35's. -Robert
