Red Caboose GP9 kits - ALL builders/Models/Info/References welcome

[Big Train James]

By the way, if I understand things correctly, the Atlas gp9 tooling is the same as the Red Caboose tooling, at least for the shell. Atlas has a diecast frame and typical vertical two-motor drive rather than the plastic frame and single horizontal motor drive as found on the original Red Caboose kit.

I've read that the Red Caboose shell can be fitted to the Atlas frame, although I've never tried it. On the list of things to do someday, like most things. And since Atlas currently doesn't list the gp9 frame in the parts list, it's all a moot point anyway. However, for somebody that doesn't already have the Red Caboose shell in hand, an Atlas gp9 might be a decent place to start. Interestingly, many of the same issues that need addressing with the Red Caboose model need addressing on the Atlas model - motor in cab, underframe detailing, truck side frame quality, etc etc. It might be worth a punt though if one came available cheaply.

 

[PhilH]

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D&RGW #5934 assembled as provided for in the kit, but fitted with NWSL wheelsets, Loksound decoder and speakers, LED headlights and Omen Miniatures crew.

 

[PhilH]

Two Southern Pacific passenger GP9s were photographed at San Jose in August 1978, from where they worked the commuter train up the peninsula to San Francisco.

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SP 3187 was originally T&NO 280, one of 14 built for the SP subsidiary Texas & New Orleans. Later renumbered as SP 5894 in 1960, 3000 in 1965 and 3187 after rebuilding in 1975. The raised housing behind the cab housed an air filter. Originally built with dual controls, these were removed during the rebuilding and this was indicated by the "wings" from the red nose only being carried on the short hood. 3187 was purchased by CalTrans along with several other locos when they took over the running of the line in 1991/2 and repainted in blue and white livery with the branding "CALTRAIN".

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SP 3004 was one of eight supplied to the SP, originally numbered 5622. Its fitted with air tanks on top of the long hood giving room for larger fuel and water tanks and was rebuilt after 1978 and renumbered 3196.

 

[JasonD]

I still have parts, etc from my days as a dealer. I thought I needed that GP9 lettered Delaware & Hudson which Guilford painted up for a publicity pic ... for what started as an Alco road ... well, first you gasp, then you boil, then you shrug your shoulders ... if you're lucky. Moved on now ... want that M420.

Went thru' the trays and pulled out some GP9 parts, motivated a bit by James reminding me about chop-nose windscreens (top right). Hopefully the pic can be enlarged. The 2 columns on the right are GP9 appropriate and on the left are 'various'. Oh,, and in the trays behind are more Weaver and P&D bits and pieces. Scouring the garage for more bits and pieces to take to Stokenchurch next weekend. Yikes, only 6 days.

Thanks for those pics Phil, first visit to California in 1974 to see my cousin, trips from Menlo Park into SF, GPs with short trains, Trainmasters making the hairs on the back of my neck stick out even further with long trains. First short stack with eggs and bacon at Redwood City and when the Tms blew their horns the crossing barriers leaped into life. Aaaaah - thanks James!
Jason

 

[JasonD]

 

[richard carr]

Hi Jason

I will have to make sure I see you next Sunday and buy what I need for my SP GP9.

Thanks

Richard

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Here's an annotated photo on how I used some of the detail parts to provide an idea on how they appear.

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Hi Jason

I will have to make sure I see you next Sunday and buy what I need for my SP GP9.

If you're modelling the Willamette & Pacific version in your photo I can already see some parts on the table.

 

[JasonD]

I didn't get the cab deflectors out. Didn't have a label on the polybag - clear plastic with raised edges waiting for a magic marker. I haven't mastered the pic size rules yet. The 'master' pic on my laptop is big. There's probably a warning about 'too big' somewhere. Anyway, lots to inspect without light reflections next weekend.

BTW Dave, if you didn't notice, your pic of your GP9 stayed at the top of the American O-Scale in the UK Facebook group for a long time. I think it was my tasteful Father Christmas in a D&H Mechanical Dept gon that took over for some reason.

Jason

 

[Jordan]

I'm almost embarrased to post my "here's one I did earlier" GP9. Bought undecorated from the US, as a 'powered kit', I painted decaled & weathered it myself. I made the two exhaust spark arrestors & winterisation fan hatch myself. I added some Soo-specific details such as all-weather window on the Engineer's side, and replaced the plastic RC handrails & stanchions with metal Atlas ones without any problems. It doesn't have the finesse of Yorkshire Dave's Geep with etched grilles etc, & I only recently DCC'd it with a non-sound Lenz Gold Maxi.
Since this photo I also weathered the walkways some more.

 

[Scale7JB]

One other thing I know I need is the plow for the Alamosa GP9’s.

Is that something off the shelf or scratch it up out of a bit of brass sheet?

JB.

 

[JasonD]

What does it look like?

 

[Scale7JB]

What does it look like?

 

[Overseer]

View attachment 155424

Looks like a little brass bending is called for.

 

[Rob R]

View attachment 155424

One would imagine that the same plow (US speak) would also fit a GP9?

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

One would imagine that the same plow (US speak) would also fit a GP9?

If only it was that simple. However there does seem to be a few standard plow types used by the various roads.

 

[Rob R]

Apologies.
I was trying to be too smart Alec, suggesting that the plow pictured would also fit a GP9 as well as Rio Grande 5102 - a GP7....................

 

[Scale7JB]

Apologies.
I was trying to be too smart Alec, suggesting that the plow pictured would also fit a GP9 as well as Rio Grande 5102 - a GP7....................

Don’t worry, I caught your drift..

JB.

 

[Rob R]

I'm sorry but I can't bring much to the party in the way of prototype info but I can give you the other half decent shot I got of SP 3873 at the Pacific South West RR Museum, Campo in 2019.

Rob

 

[JasonD]

So you GP9 enthusiasts, is that a late version with the big fans? And Campo is a nice museum with a stay in San Diego almost as nice.
Jason