I want to model some Rio Grande GP-7 and 9's What were the phase differences on these? I have two of the newer HO Atlas models one with the billboard lettering and one with the small lettering. Are these the correct phase? I am thinking that these are phase I's because they have the small 36" dynamic brake fan. What phase are the GP 9's? I am thinking that these were phase II's I also have an undecorated Proto 2000 GP 7 But his one has the large 48" dynamic fan instead of the 36" fan like the Atlas model. Appears to be a phase II GP-7 Also has the oval holes in the side sill. I have searched the web, But have had no luck finding what I am looking for. Whats the story?
I can't help you as far as what Rio Grande ran, but here's a good sight with lots of drawings so you can see the differences in the 7 vs. 9 and what the different versions look like. http://trainiax.net/mescalelocoemd.htm
As far as I can tell, all of the DRGW GP9's are Phase III's. As for the GP7's, I'm not 100% sure...they look like Phase I's. I'll dig through my slides and see if I can come up with some good photos of them and get back with you on what I find. Happy Modeling!
There's also another source of information on Don Strack's Utah Rails web page. Scott Chatfield has done a lot of research on GP7/9 phases, but I honestly didn't see any references to the Rio Grande. Scott Chatfield on the subject of Geeps Hope this helps. Regards, John
http://www.trainweb.org/emdloco/gp9.htm All DRGW GP9s were delivered in 1955 and 56, making them Phase II.
Thanks to everyone for the leads on this subject.There is a lot of good info here. I have some Front Range GP9's that I want to build to go with my Atlas models. The Proto 2000 is a nicer shell, But they are hard to find in an undecorated version. Maybe someday.
I have some HO GP7 atlas diesels these were the retooled ones. I was a little dissapointed with them compared to the Proto 2000 models. I was not aware that the side sills on the Atlas were all metal. They also have the 36" dynamic fan instead of the 48" I have an undecorated Proto GP7 with the 48" fan. I am wondering which one is the correct one? What year were the fans upgraded to the 48" on the GP-7?
Davec I believe the D&RGW GP7's had all 36-inch fans (DB 36-inch) and the GP9's had a 48-inch DB fan. I don't recall ever reading that the GP7's were upgraded to a larger DB fan. I was of the undertanding that Phase III GP9's had a single 48-inch fan on either side of the dynamic brake blister. There are not many roof shots in my Rio Grande Diesels Volume II book but it looks like there are two 36-inch fans on either side of the dynamic brake blister. The Atlas GP7's are early phase and only correct for the first few D&RGW GP7's. I'd say Proto 2000 are the way to go for the second order D&RGW GP7's and GP9's. Unfortunately Proto 2000 has yet to offer a "switcher scheme" GP9 yet. Not that I know of anyway.
I think Proto 2000 was going to do the D&RGW switcher scheme at one time when they were owned by Lifelike. For some reason they cancelled the project. The Atlas GP-7 side sills don't have really good treadplate detail like the proto. Also the fans are not see through. They are molded on So there is no place for a speaker to let the sound out. Cannon is working on replacement fans for the F's and the GP-7 and 9's But they are not out yet. They look really good. Just like the highliners fans that are on the Athearn Genesis models. I am doing some Front Range GP9's now. Got one done and 2 on the way. I needed qute a stockpile of detail parts to get them just right. I added a Helix Humper can motor and Northwest Shortline drive shafts. I got pics as soon as I can get them loaded.
