Reading’s were exactly the same, freight units had dynamics, passenger units did not. They also divided the number series as well, which was OK for some types of locos but kid of broke down on RS-3’s as they ended up with way more than 60 of them. GP7’s were in the 600’s, GP7’s 660+ were the passenger ones without dynamics.
–Randy
Here’s one without sound. If so inclined you can add your own sound decoder and speaker to it. (Not a very easy modification to this loco though.)
Coincidently I just received an email from Factory Direct Trains listing a closeout on AThearn Genesis GP9s, including the PRR. They also listed some non-sound GP7s, but no PRR there. Given the price difference of $59, it’d be kind of silly to buy the non-sound unless you don;t run DCC, the only sound decoders you can get for $59 are, shall we say, not good.
If the OP has his heart set on a GP7, then those eBay options may be it for now. There’s no need to fear the rivet counters, the Genesis GP9 in PRR is ALSO a valid loco, not just a case of Athearn slapping on a PRR paint job.
For some rare birds - Proto had the SD7’s - PRR only had 2 of them, used on the Madison Incline. They had dynamics, hump controls, and special rail washers. Somewhere back in Trains or Classic Trains was a story by an engine crewman running on that line while it was still in operation about how one unit went in for service and when it came back, the shop crews didn’t connect one or another of the special features that helped maintain train control coming down that steep hill and they nearly had a runaway.
For other options, I’m not a big fan f the Atlas ones, but they always seem to go for big bucks compared to the Proto 2000 ones. I have 4 of the Protos, thy run great and the detailing is also done to a high level. The Atlas ones look plain to me, but I got all of my Protoso for under $40, every time I see an Atlas on eBay, it goes for around $100.
–Randy
According to “Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 years” (Kalmbach Publishing), GP7’s had 3 sets of louvers below the cab, and 2 vertical rows of louvers under the radiator shutters at the far end of the long hood. The GP9’s had only one set of louvers under the cab (or none), and one square set of louvers under the radiator shutters. Presence or absence of dynamic brakes does not distinguish, as this option was available on both models. All GP7’s and early GP9’s had 2 pairs of radiator fans. Later GP9’s only had one fan per radiator group.
So. There you have it. The early GP9’s were similar in appearance to the GP7’s, and naturally, many received modifications and changes over the years.
Brad
Brad,As far as ID’ing a GP7 from a GP9 you have to look closer due to the phase differences of both Geeps.
The phase 3 GP9 had 2 48" fans and can be easily confused with the GP18 since there is very little difference between the two unlike the GP7/9…The GP7 had more louvers on the hood then the GP9.
2 units, or as the running joke among a few of my friends goes: “Only slightly more numerous than the Ingalls 4S1.”2
1 Only one Ingalls 4S was ever built. It was one of the oddest-looking diesels, ever.
2 I have some weird friends.
I believe some PRR geeps had “torpedo tubes” as well.
Go back to Frank’s comments. If it matters to you, then it matters; if it doesn’t then it doesn’t. If you want to win a contest, it matters, If not, then it doesn’t have to. The units were similar, but not identical in appearance. The 9 was an improvement over the 7. Sevens often lacked dynamics, but some had them. Most 9’s were built with dynamics, but many roads, such as NKP, opted to omit them. There were differences in the fans, as mentioned. There were probably more differences between a late and early 9 than between a 7 and an early 9.
Relax & enjoy the hobby.
Tom