HO GP7 Locomotive, with DCC & Sound, ATSF #2819 Overview
Liking the performance of their EMD F units, Santa Fe wanted reliable road switchers that could provide better visibility and share components with their other EMD brethren. Between 1950 and 1953, they ordered 244 GP7's. During the 1960's, Santa Fe started to repaint their fleet of GP7's into a more simplified scheme to help on paint masking costs. They were the only purchaser of a small batch of GP7B's and were usually mated to a like road numbered A units. By the 1960's, they could be found running with other units in switching assignments. Into the 1970's, the fleet of GP7's would end up being rebuilt into âGP7u'sâ with fully rebuilt cabs, electrical components, and prime movers. Their B units received cabs in the process.
Since Santa Fe was known for changing out spark arrestors, we included them in a poly bag for the modeler to install to match your modeling era.
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.