Has anyone gotten one yet? How about some pictures and a review of them. I am thinking about getting one and would like to hear your thoughts and opinions on this engine.
Thanks
Matt
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A few points, not a formal review, sorry no pictures:
* Looks good, paint job is clean. Not a high glossy finish, more of a flat finish.
* Detail is good - wire handrails. A step above entry-level anyway.
* Sound is excellent (comment below).
* Operation - very smooth, good flywheel action. Very strong puller! Runs smooth and fast at low voltage (sorry, no voltage numbers, responding here from work).
* Very economical
* Comment on sound with performance. Because the loco is so smooth and powerful at low voltage, it does not need much "handle leverage" to run fast. Consequently, the sound is in low gear - idle while I run at my normal slow speed. Easy to fix: wire motors in series, add diodes, add thermistors. Then sound engine revs change appropriately with loco speed. I have not yet done this for the GP30, but for a number of other locos.
Overall, a great low-end loco, very good value.
Ken-Oscale
Thanks for the review on the GP30 I have seen it at my LHS but was not able to listen to the new sound system or see it run. I think it is a very good looking engine. I am glad to see the wire railings not stamped.
I should have added that I am very pleased with it, it is on the layout now, with a train on the outer-loop main (the premier track with O-60 diameter). I am VERY happy with it, it is one of my top 4 locos at present.
I should also say that the sound is loud, and excellent. Polyphonic (you can have bell, whistle, and prime mover sounds at the same time and hear each distinctly).
Also, the horn is neat - a bit of a fog-horn, which I presume is prototypical because it is unique for my stable of iron horses.
Yes i know it is on my list to get next. The ACL and if there is ever a Southern, NS, L&N for sure.
Ken-Oscale
Does it have the usual 2 bulb lighting or does it have LED lighting?
Thanks
Matt
On the lighting - I have not yet opened it up. The lighting is reasonably bright, but not as bright as LEDs, so I am guessing the two-bulb. It looks good, but the headlights do not light up the far side of the room, like high-intensity LEDs do. If bulbs, I will replace the headlights withe LEDs. The dual headlight fixtures are smaller than most loco headlights, so I will have to look for very small form-factor LEDs - I know they are out there.
Matt here are the spec's
GP30 features include:
* directional LED lighting
* separately applied grabirons, drop-down steps, and windshield wipers
* wire-formed handrails
* 6-amp reverse board with directional lock-out
* prototypically correct details for dynamic and non-dynamic brake models
* dual motors with flywheel coasting action
* traction tires
* True Blast Plus™ 16-bit polyphonic sound including prime mover, horn, and bell
Price: $349.95
Product Code: 22902
Wyatt, thanks for the correction on the headlights - already LEDs. Just not as bright as most other LED headlights, but I probably will not try to find brighter LEDs to replace with.
Thanks Guys. I already have a large stable of Williams and WBB Locos....Every one a smooth runner and strong puller. Looks like they will be getting a new stablemate.
Thanks
Matt
This has to be the ONLY hobby in the entire world where people don't immediately rip open the box, take a zillion pictures, and rush to post every one of them on the internet. So frustrating!!! Especially when you are expected to pre-order everything sight-unseen. And most makers have a tendency to ruin previously perfect model (cough Lionel...cough GP30).
Whatev'
Here are some pics of the WBB geep 30 at Bachmanns display from last months train show.
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These engines are wonderful and are only $199.95 each and in stock.
www.patstrains.com Plus you get free shipping.
Thanks
Pat
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  ZOOM | $199.95 | GP-30 Great Northern (with dynamic brake) |
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One comment on the sound, I was a bit disappointed to find no volume control. Otherwise, a nicely presented loco for the money. I bought an ACL model. I look forward to a Santa Fe, I will buy more.
