The newer diesels engines---Geeps(Lionel is all I run) have visors on both sides of the cab. When these engines go past the icing station, the lever that pushes the ice cubes out makes contact with the visors and scratches them. I've pushed the visors down in hope of alleviating the problem. It didn't work. I even modified the lever itself. The problem still existed. My solution was to remove the visors on one of my GP7s and that cured the problem. That particular Geep will be the only Geep I run on that section of my layout. Unfortunately the icing machine is located on one of my main lines( kids love watching this work). I would think that Lionel would have had the foresight to address this issue when engineering the Geeps. I know this isn't a perfect world and "stuff happens." I also know that by modifying the engine, it will decrease the value(big deal). We three railers are a creative bunch and are quite pragmatic and inventive. My layout is based on the display type(emphasis on the word play). Moving the accessory would be a major task since my spurs are full of other stuff. The alternative would be to never run Geeps on that route. However, modifying one GP7 was a personal decision. I know that many Hi Railers may think this solution is goofy. Some guys and gals weather their stuff and that qualifies as an alteration. But you know, this wonderful hobby has room for everybody. I hope that this narrative is helpful.
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