HO GP9 Locomotive with DCC & Sound, C&O #6173 Overview
Between 1955 and 1957 C&O bought 363 GP9's. These units were the backbone of the fleet, used on both road trains as well as local service. In the mid 60's C&O adopted a new simplified paint scheme with the large C&O initials on the long hood. Although the purchase of newer high horsepower units displaced many GP9's to secondary service, most of the fleet soldiered on into the mid 80's. Many units were retired in this version of C&O dress. These road numbers lasted into the mid 1980's which allow the widest range of modelers to benefit from this release.
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.