See my Sep 03 update on this thread dbn160 Reposted from the Atlas N Forum ===== EMD's new third generation GP-20D switcher as shown by CEFX 2017. Roseville CA Mar 2002 ===== http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/cefx/cefx2017atb.jpg ===== Does "coyote ugly" apply in this case? [snicker] The talk on TrainOrders is that Athearn will be releasing an HO version in late 2002. Can the N scale version be in their future lineup? Here the EMD specs on this loco, a combination of state-of-the-art and rebuilt components: ===== http://www.gmemd.com/en/locomotive/switcher/gp20d/index.htm http://www.gmemd.com/en/locomotive/switcher/gp20d/features.htm ===== Notice the 1:1 KATO Alternators (AFAIK no relation to the model KATO company) Hmmmmm .... it kinda grows on you, eh? eNjoy [ 03. September 2002, 11:57: Message edited by: dbn160 ]
Actually, I find it to be rather utilitarian looking and kind-of cool. It doesn't look to be that hard to kitbash. The hardest part would be building a strong enough cab for all those windows.
Apparently someone with a lot of time on his hands, not to mention some extra Athearn shells and detail parts from Cannon & Co., spent a few nights deep, deep down in his dungeon (oops, I meant workroom ) to concoct this Frankenstein's monster. Either that, or EMD was needing to use up parts inventory, so in a fit of make-busy work, they built THIS (and I bet the same guy went on to design & build the Pontiac Aztek ) I'm curious- does this Gawd-awful thing run like it looks, or is it the next best thing since sliced bread for switching? I'll never, ever call the BL2 ugly again, I swear! [ 02. September 2002, 01:35: Message edited by: friscobob ]
They are built by MPI at Bosie, ID with parts from EMD. It is a joint venture deal. I have heard it runs like it looks .
Whether or not Athearn makes this for N scale, that THING will never be on my layout. I guess I'll stick with a GP38 as a "modern switcher".
I think that the real interesting question would be just how many of these are out there? I have never seen one and I do not think that you will ever see it in N-scale if it is only owned by one or two roads. It certainly looks like an easy kitbash project though! Russ
slimjim Are you confusing the GP20D with these similar-looking locomotives from Boise? ===== MP1500NG http://paintshop.railfan.net/images/other/mp1500g.html ===== Boise also offered the MP1500D seen here http://lrs.railspot.com/mpex1501.htm ===== and MK1200G as UP1298 here http://ncespee.railfan.net/UP/upmk1200g/up1298.html ===== eNjoy
Nope. They make both the GP15D and GP20D. CIT has 50 total either delivered or ordered. Here is one link and what it said. http://www.railwayage.com/jul00/powerplay.html EMD has made inroads in the switcher market through a joint venture with Wabtec subsidiary Motive Power. Two models are available: the 1,500-hp GP15D and the 2,000-hp GP20D. Both are designed and marketed by EMD and manufactured by Motive Power using an electronically fuel injected Caterpillar Series 170 powerplant. Fifty (25 each) are being built for CIT, for leasing purposes. I have also heard the order split, 10 GP15D'd and 40 GP20D's.
Guess I'll go against the grain here too... I kind of like them. Pacific Harbor Line had some on loan for a while to try out, and I believe UP had some up North too. They operate very strangely... They almost sound like they have a turbine engine... A high revving noise is emitted all the time. They seem to really pull too... They were doing the work that two SD18's usually do. http://EJE.Railfan.net/socal/phl25.html http://EJE.Railfan.net/socal/phl24.html Dave D. Los Angeles, CA -Rail Radio Online-Home of the "TrainTenna" RR Monitoring Antenna- http://eje.railfan.net/railradioonline ------------------------------------------------- -The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Photo Archive & E-Mail List- http://eje.railfan.net ------------------------------------------------- -The Ashley, Drew & Northern Railfan Page- http://eje.railfan.net/adn ------------------------------------------------- -Southern California Trains- http://eje.railfan.net/socal -------------------------------------------------
MPI makes a lot of "hybrids". Check out some of them here: http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel79.html Check out the six-axled version of the 1200 at the bottom of the page, it is actually pretty cool looking! Russ
The six axle would be cool looking with the nose cut off. Maybe a good kitbashing project. Can call it a SS- 2000(super- switcher).
The EMD site lists these as having GM/EMD engines but the engines are actually built by Caterpillar. Now knowing this, I am assuming that the high-noise that you are hearing is the roots style blower commonly found on these engines (they are low horsepower but high torque and need blowers for a little extra HP) All the equipment that we have at my job that uses Cat engines make a distinct high (almost whistle-like) noise. I would love to see one of these locomotives in person! Russ
If the model can pull like the real thing, I think a lot of Freelancers can use a couple of these, especially those who are modeling high grades and heavy loads (such as mining). Yeah, it's ugly, if you are seeing a Standard SD when youa re looking at it...certainly not a powered boxcar, but I will stick to the old Steamers.
The joker who posted the original "news" on TrainOrders about Athearn running these units in HO has now admitted he was pulling our leg And I fell for it hook line and sinker and passed it on. It was fun while it lasted. Hope Athearn hasn't cut the N dies for this unit yet We could use a few good EMD F units available on a year-round basis eNjoy [ 03. September 2002, 12:05: Message edited by: dbn160 ]
