I know Model Power makes a version. I haven't seen them in person but the pictures I've seen are less than impressive. I have seen pictures of Kalso's shell and it is fabulous, but for $75 it better be (add to that the price of a ATLAS GP 38 chasis). Right now it's just a casual interest, but eventually I'd like to do a pair of these for the Verde Canyon Railroad . Does anyone have a Model Power version they can post a good pic of and coment on it running capabilities? Excluding brass are there any other options?
Hi John, I've seen the MP FP's in person. Your impression is right. Nose is all wrong and the detail is crude. I ran the first version that came out 2 years ago or so. This release is supposed to be better but I can't get past the detail no matter how nice it may run. I've also held the Kaslo shells in my hand. Very nice. The $75.00 is Canadian if that stings less. grant
I agree with grant and want to add the mech is noisy, sometimes rough but sometimes a real puller. I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude on the new ones to see if they've re-done the shell. I'm fairly confident the guts will be better this time around.
The much delayed so-called 'hobbyist quality' MP FP-7 has still not yet emerged. The train set version has appeared. I have seen the train sets, but have never taken the locomotive out of the set. It comes in a set with some freight cars, track and pack and some other stuff. There was a guy at a show who had three or four sets, for a reasonable price, but I do not want one of these that badly that I was willing to settle for a train set version. The PRR version in the set is red. The MP website shows the PRR 'hobby quality' FP-7 as DGLE (or their version of DGLE).
I had a WP version on MP's "new" FP7 on order from Caboose Hobbies two years ago. I have since given up on it ever coming out. I'll wait for InterMountain's rumoured FP to be released.
What Kaslo offers in their kit is well worth the price, especially since there will likely be a number of parts left over that would have use elsewhere. From what I have seen of them on the web, they are, hands down, far better than most Fs offered, simply because you can pick and choose what details you want on the model, plus still having detail to spare!!!
Does the mech "have-to-be" a GP7? Can't a LifeLike GP20 mech fit under the Kaslo FP9 shells? I'm pretty much giving up on the Model Power FP. They've apparently relegated it to a back burner while they go 'full steam ahead' with their steamer line.
Steve, That is a great link, thanx. I think this could work easily. Maybe I should just poetic licence and use a pair of F3s or something. With this being a short scenic/passenger I could probably do one as a dummy. Hmmmm... If I'm going to invest good money in an engine I'd rather not just be close.
got two fp7 and two fp9 shells from kaslo. just waiting until nscalesteve finalyy assembles them for me ...
Hello John, there is another option, which is an old Minitrix FP7. The detail might not be 100% on par with the latest offering, but the mechanism was top back then. Mine still beats all 11 Bachmann Plus I own (which is not saying too much...) Anyway, if you would like to go without major assemby work just adding details will probably get you there. Sometimes they are available on ebay, specifically if you would try ebay.de in Germany. This is my NP 6600 (please excuse the crudeness of the paintjob; I did it with a brush some years ago) Cheers Dirk
On another forum I read that Model Power is expecting delivery of the FP-7s this October. Has anyone heard anyting that would validate this claim? {EDIT} This is from the MP web site: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN! THE ALL NEW, ALL METAL FP-7'S GIVE MEANING TO THE TERM, “DIESEL POWER”! These locomotives feature all metal bodies, a skewed motor with dual flywheels and all wheel pickup. They come beautifully packaged in a jewelry style plastic chest and are magnetic coupler compatible. Currently offered without any provision for DCC, we will soon be introducing variants completely DCC ready with a decoder factory installed! List price is $59.95 [ August 23, 2005, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: BALOU LINE ]
I passed up their first attempt. And was glad to do so. Believe I'll also wait and see on this release. Boxcab E50
Great looking FP-7 Marc! I have an NP version done the same way. The shell was actually done by Greg Scott of GHQ and cast in resin by our friend Joe Valerio. If anyone is interested I think Joe still has some available. You can e-mail him at trainutz@excite.com Andrew
That is one beautiful FP-7. I'm having a hard time believing it's N scale! Well October has come and gone, still no word from Model Power. I'm glad this isn't a high priorety project for me. I have a feeling it's time to seriously concider the alternatives.
C'mon now guys. Those are prototype photos, right? When are you gonna show us the models? Really, really nice FP7 models. You guys are masters at this stuff.
The model power fp7 was announced over 4 years ago. There have been repeated delays and missed promise dates due to technical dificulties. Its probably too late for them to capitalize on any pent up F unit demand. Perhaps it is time for them to move on from this project and spare themselves any further embarrassment. All the delays will only heighten the level of scrutiny on this model and it will likey get ripped to shreds on the boards if an when if becomes available.
