Athearn Genesis GP7-9 Project

I may get a Genesis PRR GP7. The list prices are a bit steep - has anyone seen any discounted prices yet from the on-line pushers?

Ken

I have a P2K PRR GP9 - it looks real good but does not run worth a d*m*.

 

Regarding the Proto 2K GP units, I have found that their original grease gets quite stiff with age. Every Proto 2K loco that I have has been cleaned and re-greased with LaBelle's #106 grease and #107 Oil. I have no issues with the way they run after my work.

 

Keith -

Thanks. I have not cleaned and lubed my P2K PRR GP9. That might indeed help - it certainly has made a difference on my P2K E-units, major improvement!

Unfortunately, cleaning and lubing the GP9 will not solve the issue of a cracked axle gear - a common P2K "Geep" problem. The thing clunks from the front truck, so I suspect it has this malady. Three or four years ago, I had this same problem with two other P2K units - a GP30 and a GP20 as I recall. I talked several times with a fellow named Larry at Walthers (he's no longer there) - he sent me about a dozen new, replacement wheelsets so I guess I'll be swapping out another one in the GP9.

Ken

 

There was a nasty diatribe on RR Modelers (a Facebook group) concerning the accuracy of the shell (cab, roof curvature, long hood) on the Genesis model, and it was bad enough that the list owner put out a cease-and-desist post. Personally, I wasn't born with micrometers in my eyeballs, so I'm not worried about gnat's-whisker differences in measurements, as long as Atheran is putting out a SCALE-WIDTH HOOD GP7. I shall wait to see the model myself before I pass judgement.

As the owner of three Front Range, one Atlas-Kato and one P2K GP7, the jury is out whether or not I will get a Genesis unit, but I'm not saying never......

 

Yes, the "diesel experts" on the D-list and other HO chat groups have been raising the roof about some problems they have noted with the new Athearn Genesis GP7/GP9 models. Some of them are legit, but many are true nits from what I have read.

I was thinking of getting one of each of the first two releases, as I am a true Geep fan. The SP unit would be pretty neat because of all the crazy SP lights it carries and it is in the "black widow" scheme. And, I have wanted to add a PRR GP7 to my PRR fleet, but one of the complaints sounded real to me - they say the DGLE color is way too green. The PRR shade of dark green was so dark it looked close to being black. That surprises me, as the Genesis PRR F7 I have looks OK. So, I bought a PRR Proto 2000 GP7 off of eBay instead. It looks fine to me, and it cost way less than the Genny. Yes, it had two cracked axle gears, but that is an easy fix.

Hopefully, Athearn will get their Frisco GP15-1 out soon.

Ken

 

Well, the little 'ole Frisco had 128 EMD GP7's. I don't know what it takes to impress firms like Athearn that this would be a good road name to model, but that's a lot of geeps! They could offer a couple of numbers - one w/o the steam boiler, one with.

Ken

 

If you want a wider variety of paint scheme versions, go to Mike Condren's website and look up the variations of paint schemes that adorned Frisco GP7s. Then, factor in the steam generators or lack thereof.......................the possibilities are mind-boggling

 

Bob -

The PRR GP7's were essentially "plain vanilla" just like the Frisco's. PRR didn't have many GP7's - 65 or so as I recall, far fewer than the Frisco, but bought a ton of GP9's. This represents a rare GP7 for the PRR, many of theirs were fitted with d/b or with topside air tanks. This one, PRR 8548, was part of the PRR's third, and last GP7 order, ordered June, 1953, delivered September, 1953.

A quick look shows not any serious problems preventing a "Friscoization" of the PRR Genny GP7:

o This unit would have to be numbered SLSF 525 or above to have the correct GP7 phase.
o The SLSF units did not have the oval openings in the side skirts above the fuel tank. Later, when most Frisco geeps were o/w, the skirts were removed.
o The PRR horn is back by the aft radiator fans; the SLSF horn was cab-roof mounted. The heat from the fans kept the snow melted, preventing it from fouling the horn
o The SLSF mounted the GP7 speed recorder on the front truck, right side, rear axle. This PRR geep carried it on the front truck, left side, front axle.
o The SLSF geeps usually had cab sun shades. PRR rarely used them.
o The SLSF geeps used the tall, porch mounted m/u stands. I can't tell what this genny has.
o Most of the Frisco geeps received spark arrestors of various types, later on. Some had cab roof/short hood beacons, some had radios.
o Note this PRR geep is set up for long hood forward operation.

The "D-List Experts" don't like the Athearn genny GP7 or GP9. Problems exist with door heights, grill dimensions, hood geometry, etc. It all seems "rivet counting" to me; this thing looks pretty good from viewing distance.

That's about all I see. There probably are other minor differences, as this unit - if it's details are correct - is about two years younger than the Frisco's geeps, which were built in 1950-1951, so there may be other minor differences. I'll look closer later when I have more time. We're still celebrating last night's Cardinal win here - #18, and on to #11 in '11 !

Ken

 

Bob -

Very nice. I'm thinking of getting one, though I'm might be more interested in a Genesis SP GP9. I usually don't bother with rivet counting matters unless they are obvious.

One thought comes to mind - if you are interested in getting a plain vanilla PRR GP7 to convert into a Frisco GP7, look at the Proto 2000 GP7 in PRR colors as well. I have it as PRR 8804, and it is equipped and decorated very well, approaching Genesis quality. The benefit is you could get it for significantly less - they are often on eBay. It runs fine, though you might have to fix the Chinese P2K "thumping" problem - an easy fix.

Ken

 

Bob, I will refer you to a number of photos around and about:
My photos:
SLSF #587, 540, 526, roof shots; http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/frisco-lead-line-ore-train.4819/
SLSF #571 and 562 front and rear photos: http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/clinton-sub-passenger-trains.2855/#post-18018
http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/500-632-gp7.332/page-2#post-2525
http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/500-632-gp7.332/page-2#post-2528

Don't forget Mike Condren's photos: http://condrenrails.com/Frisco Catalog/EMD-GP7s.htm

Others elsewhere:
SLSF #610 in Amtrak #760 service roof shot w/ steam generator; http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=324517, http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2137908
SLSF #621 in Amtrack #761 service roof shot w/o steam generator; http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=804588


SLSF #569 w/ steam generator; http://thelibrary.org/lochist/frisco/friscoline/images/photos/p01695.jpg

I know I will need at least one with steam and at least one without.

 

The Details West part SG-118 has what you need to add a steam generator to the top of the short hood of a Frisco GP7. You will also need to add a small piece of brass or plastic tubing if you want to model the tall stack some of the Frisco s/g geeps had.

Ken