Athearn GP7u and GP9u - Topeka Cab

[Deleted]

For the more modern Santa Fe and BNSF folks you now have a nice four axle unit.

[thebessemerkid]

And Espee finally gets their Mt-4

[Deleted]

Copy: In 1972, Santa Fe began rebuilding their GP7 and GP9 fleet with “chopped” short hoods for improved visibility and a host of internal improvements and upgrades. These units sported the unofficial designation of GP7u and GP9u by railfans - the “u” indicating “upgraded”. Hundreds served all over the vast Santa Fe system in a variety of roles.

Model features:
All-new tooling
Three versions:
Phase I GP7u: 86” tall engine compartment doors
Phase II GP7u: 86” + 82” tall engine compartment doors
Phase II GP9u
“Topeka” cab with interior
“Blanked” dynamic brake housings where applicable
ATSF-modified slotted and deleted sidesill “skirts”
Blomberg-B “modified” truck sideframes with outer brake shoes deleted
ATSF-added “pointed” pilot plows where appropriate
Long or Short step box behind cab on conductor’s side where appropriate
Cab roof details as appropriate
Air conditioner
Prime Stratolite warning beacon
Antenna ground plane
ATSF-added inertial air filter hatch plate as appropriate
Salem air filter detail as appropriate

Item numbers, road numbers, retail, and ETA: TBD

Disclaimer: Locomotive assembled with early test parts and is for representative purposes only. This is not the final model.

[buffalobill]

Cool, looks like I am going to want a couple of these. I hope they also consider doing a IC or ICG Paducah rebuild variation, there were enough changes through the 70's that they can make one that isn't an exact copy of the Intermountain unit.
Bill

[spookyac47]

Not quite what I have been waiting for . . . maybe when the "B" units show up, joy will be present.

[buffalobill]

Don, a GP-9B would be nice, would make Pennsy, PC, early Conrail and of course UP modelers very happy.

I think eventually Athearn will do it. I would not think the tooling issues would be that huge.
Bill