I am thinking about kitbashing a GTW GP9r and was wondering if anyone had info about this rebuild. I think the cabs are from GP38’s, but I’m not sure. I know the orginal GP9’s were phase III, built 1954-1955 and they were rebuilt 1989-1991.
Railflyer Model Prototypes is coming out with some EMD spartan cabs, but I don’t know if the 81" or 88" nose are appropriate. I was then thinking of putting the cabs on a Proto 2000 phase III GP9.
Any input?
Trains did an article on these back in the '90s. IIRC, the cabs were replaced because the originals were rusty. At the time, it was easier to replace them with GP38-style cabs from EMD, rather than repair the battery-box area. I think GTW flipped the control stands as well, but I don’t know for sure. (I did a college report on the cost benefits for rebuilding locomotives, and one of the examples I used was the GTW’s GP9s. I apologize if I’ve screwed up some of the details–the report I did was nearly 12 years ago.) BTW, I’ve seen them listed as GP9Rs and GP9Ms. Here are some photos for you. The last one was repainted by CN.
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/gtw/gtw4626akr.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/gtw/gtw4602ads.jpg
Thanks for the info.
You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help. Some more info for you: The article was in the September 1994 issue of Trains. I looked through the article for the nose length, and there’s no mention of it. All that’s in there, is a mention of how GTW used a nose that was “11 inches shorter” than the one IC/VMV used on their GP10s and 11s. The cab was lengthened by the same amount to prevent the “alligator” look. The article hints that the dimensions are similar to those on a GP38. Another thing to consider: during the rebuild program, the GTW removed the dynamic brake blisters, and replaced them with smooth sections. They also substituted two single 48-inch fans on the roof, instead of the original pairs of 36-inch fans. The article also has a roster of rebuilt units–keep in mind that their new numbers seem to be at random.
That helps immensely. I will try to order a photocopy of that article from kalmbach.
Um, I have a question I’m not a GTW or CN molder but more for the sake of knowing are these still in service?
As far as I know they are in service across the CN system. CN has been in a power shortage and just placed an order for both GE and EMD units. I live near Pontiac Yard and saw them from time to time. I don’t know about the last year though because I have been at school in Ann Arbor.
Here is a link to the active roster of CN and affiliates as of September 2006 http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/AddPost.aspx?PostID=1073654
They are still in service.
The GTW GP9Rs are placed on the rear of Motive Power Consists on manifest freights so they can be used for local service where needed on the CN System.
Andrew