HO GP7 with DCC & Sound, KO&G #805

HO GP7 with DCC & Sound, KO&G #805 Overview

In 1923 the Midland Valley, the Kansas Oklahoma & Gulf, and the Oklahoma City Ada & Atoka were bought by the company called the Muskogee Roads of Philadelphia and the headquarters and shops were moved to Muskogee, OK. The first diesel locomotives on the MV were GP7s 151-154, delivered in 1953. Similar GP7s were also rostered by the KO&G. The units were all painted in a standard EMD styling department scheme.

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.