I was just over surfing the American Models web site. In looking at the GP9, for some reason, I had a sensation that it looked a little bit on the short side for length. Is it just me having a bad day? (I hope so! ) Boxcab E50
Hmmmm. Maybe my eyes have frostbite? It's warmed to above zero now. Maybe the pictures will thaw? Boxcab E50
Yesterday we finally broke above zero. Made it up to 9. Last night, the first in a week not WAY below zero. Today, already up to 19! Don- How's the layout planning coming along? Boxcab E50
Ken, I have 3 of AM's GP-9's. They seem just fine for scale length in person. But, having read your question, I will get one out and measure it. Regardless, I like them. They are good running units and with grab irons and sun shades added they will look just fine. We are having a heat spell here in Reno, hit 54 today and only a low of 32 last night. Hope it doesn't melt our snow pack in the Sierra. Greg
Greg- Perhaps it is just the photos that were giving me a wrong impression. Otherwise, they do look nice. We've warmed up. Now in the twenties. I suppose that next we'll have a messy freezing rain. Bleh. Boxcab E50
Ken- I wonder if the pictures on the AM web page with the AF style couplers cause the illusion of a too short locomotive? Also, having read reviews of them several years ago, I don't recal that being an issue. Still haven't found the box with them yet for a measurement. I see AM doesn't have the U-25B listed on their web page yet either. Greg
You could be correct. The coupler size is way out of proportion. So maybe that's it. And that my vision is controlled by a mind fixed on scale appearance..... The reason I was at their site, was to see if the U-boats were showing yet. Boxcab E50
I finally found my American Models GP-9's. This one I've added the radiator grills and roof fans. Here is a comparison of an Athearn GP-7 and the AM GP-9. Greg
This view shows the long hood end. The dimples are for locating the holes for the grab irons. The coupler is the scale version AM supplies with their model. Kadee #5's should drop right in. Greg
Greg- Guess it's just my eyes. Perhaps I need to eat a few more carrots, and then look again. S scale talk seems to be quiet lately! I keep hoping to hear what Don is doing with his layout planning. Boxcab E50
Hi Boxcab and Greg, Don has been quiet on the layout building front. Its been busy with my daughter playing lacross and soccer this spring. I am focusing on completing my garden railway around the spa. I want to get it done before the spring landscaping season in Houston, which is about a month off, so we can plant the shrubs and flowers. I have the track layed and ballasted, so I only need to finish the control panel. Maybe the week.... I have been active with the Houston S Gaugers, so I am keeping my mind on my planned layout. My next step is to develop a track plan so construction can begin. I am looking for some ideas. I have a space roughly 12 feet x 12 feet. I am thinking about a layout with a central operating pit. The need for a duckunder is not ideal, but I am willing to live with it for more operating potential. I think I want to have a long mainline (perhaps a couple of laps) with some hidden staging. I want to include a small town with a few industries and perhaps a small yard to provide switching opportunities. Any suggestions or sources will be appreciated. I hope everyone is doing well.
Greg- Could I ask a favor? What it the measurement in inches of the GP9, between the closed coupler knuckles? Thanks! Boxcab E50
The AM GP-9 measures 9 13/16" from pilot face to pilot face. If my calculations are right, that is right on for the scale length. I didn't measure for the coupler, since I haven't installed any yet. I will be putting Kadees on and have a better idea then. I hope this helps. Greg
