HO GP7 Locomotive, MEC #566 Overview
Maine Central continued the process of dieselization of their freight operations in Fall 1950 and 1953 with the purchase of 9 EMD GP7 locomotives equipped with dynamic brakes. We are offering these units in MEC's âsimplified' green paint scheme for the first time in our Genesis product line.
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 âtorpedo tubeâ 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.