HO GP7, GN #611

HO GP7, GN #611 Overview

Great Northern rostered 56 GP7s, the earliest of which were delivered in 1950. Set up to run long-hood forward, the units drew all types of secondary service and most lasted through the BN merger. Starting in the mid-1960s, GN began to repaint units into the “simplified” scheme, in order to save on masking costs. These Athearn Genesis units are presented in the simplified scheme, and are appropriate for late era GN operations, or, with minor changes, early BN as well.

In 1949, EMD introduced the GP7. The basic design followed most diesel switchers with the addition of a short hood instead of an end-cab. The hoods were also full height to better accommodate the diesel engine and mechanical and electrical components.

In 1954 EMD upgraded the GP7 to become the 1,750 horsepower GP9. Externally, the first GP9s were virtually unchanged from the last GP7s. Later versions would include different louver arrangements and the last ones would come without the frame skirting. The GP9 was available with all of the fuel tank, steam generator, and dynamic brake options as the GP7, including “torpedo tube” air tanks mounted on the roof.

Many railroads chose to rebuild their GP7s and GP9s for continued service. Often times, it was cheaper to do this rather than purchasing brand-new locomotives.