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Kato GG-1
Thanks for your comments. I intend to obtain a GG1, and have not checked with my hobby shop to see if they have arrived. We intend to go to the US this winter, or early Spring, so might wait until then and get it in the US
For 7 years I have enjoyed my ‘N’ Arnold GG1 in Pennsy garb. About 4 years ago I put a Lenz DCC decoder in it with minor chassis rework, works great. I hope to checkout an N Kato GG1 at our local hobby shop soon to compare the details and scale appearance. Anyone know if there is an N sound decoder with GG1 horn and bell sounds. Other than clacking of the power regulator relays I don’t know what sounds to expect from a GG1.
I’m very pleased with my model; and was pleasantly surprised to be able to get it without pre-ordering. I understand the scale objection to traction tires, but they are needed on my layout to pull a scale length passenger train. I, also, do not have catenary and have thought of another way to use this model which I have not yet tested: in a freight, suppossedly being pulled “dead” to repair work. I grew up on the PRR main between Baltimore and Wilmington, DE in the 1960-1970’s. I can remember seeing these pulled, pantagraphs down, usu. by E-44’s, on their way to repair.
I’m glad that they finally came out with an N scale G. I have 11 HO G’s and if I could unload them I would buy the N. I’m an apartment dweller and live in Montana, so I see very little chance of selling them, and the multitude of cars (PRR), here. May try ebay or something. With the room I have, 119" x 143", I could do a PRR layout justice.
We purchased the Kato GG-1 from Neal’s Trains in So.Hampton NH and are quite impressed. Some European companies have made this model in N Gage, but this one tops them all. Our railroad is based upon European Railroads of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. However, The new Kato models of the California Zephyr (rode on it in the 50’s - drawing room in the observation car), the GS 4 Daylights are so nicely done, that we can use them on the layout by having a sign at the main railroad station that says “Welcome California Zephyr” and another “Welcome Southern Pacific Daylight”. In addition to the Kato GS-4 we also have a Key GS-4 for the Shasta Dalight train. So these trains take our “tourists” so they can see what we used to have in the U.S. Also, since the layout is European, we already have catenary for the GG-1.
I d like to see this locomotive in HO
I am disappointed that Kato used yellow for the stripes and lettering, rather than gold. I would have also liked some free-standing handrails (although I did not expect them from Kato, probably because they cannot be in scale) and the option of adding wire grab rails to the pilot – for display or for running on large radii – something I have yet to see on any GG-1 model other than the one made by Fine Art Models. Otherwise, it is an impressive model
I agree, in general with the review, it is a beautiful loco, and runs well, except for the couplers, and the traction tire comments. The couplers first, they look nice, but work poorly. When you try to couple up, the GG1 coupler moves to the side, and then the knuckle will not close. I tried to polish the coupler pieces, but that didn’t help. The only way to get them to close, is to push the knuckle to the center with something, like a toothpick. Then they stay closed and work fine. Now to the traction tire comments, they are NEEDED to pull any reasonable train. Kato made the GG1 to pull a ten+ car train, and to do that, the tires are necessary. Now, I realize that “purists” object to tires, but… I have a Berkshire and a 2-6-6-2, and neither have tires, and neither can pull more than 8 MircoTrains hoppers on level Kato track; miserable. I have packed both with as much lead as will fit, and that added 1-2 cars. My Trix 2-10-0, with tires, easily pulls a dozen cars! Without traction tires in N gauge, locos just can not pull any reasonable number of cars. Just my two cents.
I am extremely pleased with my GG1, it was worth waiting for. However, I agree with William Weiss concerning the problem with the couplers.
We also are very satisfied with the model. It runs great and looks good. I do have an issue with the drop in decoder Kato suggested. The Digitrax DN163K1C does fit as a drop-in, only with modification. Our GG1 did not come with a drawing set as a result I generated a detailed “Decoder Install” guide with photos that I will gladly share. After my final assembly and programming the locomotive runs very smooth and is a great addition to my friends Bruce’s layout. I can be contacted at kayakjoe@bellsouth.net if you would like a copy of the install procedure.
As a PRR modeler in HO with several GG1,s I was interested when Kato announced that they would issue an N scale version. When it arrived I was disturbed that Kato had missed the mark on the color of the stripes. 4935 had Gold Leaf lettering and stripes not Yellow! Even a Touch of Orange would have helped to diminish the difference between paint and gold leaf. I’m concerned now that they will apply the same error on the 10 and 4 car passenger sets I have on order. I agree with Mr. Weiss on the coupler issue, but I don’t un-couple from the Loco often so it’s not a real problem for me. It does run great and is pulling 21 freight cars. Also to Mr. Zeffert’s question on sounds, the most prominent one, at least on the platform, was the whoosh of the traction motor cooling fans and random compressor noise.
Bought two from BLW and I am very impressed by these GG1s in this scale. I have been in N Scale since its introduction in the 60’s and have been waiting for a “near” prototypical GG-1 for that long. Unlike the toy-like Arnold GG-1, this one is light years ahead. Since I only plan to dedicate one to a passenger train consist without much operations other than running them to an imaginary Harrisburg, I don’t care much about the couplers and the traction is enough to pull my 14 care Broadway Limited. I plan to strip one GG-1 and repaint tuscan with the gold stripping. I may also buy others and repaint or renumber. I did not like the gloss finish so I took apart (took some time to figure out the trick with the four tabs), removed the “glass” parts and sprayed with Testor’s dullcote to make it look more prototypical. I have finished a Bway Ltd. consist from various sources including brass sides, and the finishing touch was the GG-1 which would interchange with a set of E8s at my imaginary Harrisburg. This is a great model and you can custom finish further too!! Thank you KATO…
Irvin wrote, “Upon inspection one will see that the drive train of the GG-1 is in a separate 4-6 and 6-4 units that pivot as needed.” I wouldn’t be too concerned with this since the prototype pivoted in the same way. That’s why it’s called a 2-C+C-2 instead of a 2-F-2 or whatever a 4-12-4 wheel arrangement would be. I’m sure the model is a little bit more flexible but the prototype had to bend, too.
I agree that the Kato GG-1 is a great model, well worth the wait. I also have the Rapido GG-1 but it is not as accurate. I hope to eventually replace the Rapido horn and pantographs with the Kato models which are far more accurate. I did notice that the steam generator stack on the roof was at the wrong end of the locomotive with respect to the “f” and "fuel/water"lettering on the body. I corrected this, with help from Kato, by removing the top detail piece and turning it around so that the stack is now in its correct location. I am anxiously awaiting the Broadway Limited train from Kato to run with my GG-1.
As an update to my review and the comments above, I love my GG-1. I’ve been fascinated by this locomitve since the first time I saw back in mid 1950s. I didn’t know what it was back then but the image has stayed with me ever since. Little did I know I would eventually own one.
It works well in either passenger or freight service. It’s has pulled my 8 passenger cars and I’v also had it pull a 20 car freight train plus caboose on my club’s layout with no derailments or other mishaps. And while i don’t like traction tires, these do contribute to it’s performance in a big way. So I’ll live with them.
I got mine from Fifer Hobbies and I had them install a Digitrax decoder. It runs great with the decoder and gives me the kind of control I like. A number of my fellow club members have the the original DC version and it works just as good, but one can’t really follow it around the layout to enjoy the action and, to me, being able to follow the train is the more enjoyable part of running this locomotive.
I love this loco. its beautifully done but is a bit shiny…however that certainly does not detract from it…it is suprizingly impressive.
I ordered it from a photo and product description and although I was impressed with the pictures the REAL MODEL is very impressive…HOWEVER…I would not recommend installing the DCC yourself unless you are VERY experienced and have a large well lit magnifying glass and very small tools…be VERY carefull…the pantographs are VERY easily broken…it is AMAZING how delicate and functional they are but just Breath on them wrong and they are ruined…so be VERY carefull.
have a professional do it if you have the means.
but when you do it yourself PAY STRICT attention to what is under the shell…CAREFULLY remove the shell straight up…do not tilt it …there are a few small pieces that are also easily damaged…dont pull on the drive wheels for instance…getting the Differential back where it belongs is VERY tricky and LOSING the tiny differential axle is not something you will likely find again…its smaller than a flies Leg.
it is AMAZING how small they can get these parts.
GOOD LUCK THOUGH.
I learned the hard way and now own TWO GG1s.
but its WORTH every penny.