MTH PS3 GP7 Opinions?

I have been hoping MTH would "re-tool" their GP and SD models of the 7 and 9 series units, as they did with their FM Train Master models. I have been told that the current MTH GP/SD 7 & 9 models were originally Rail King Line models, and thus have ONLY been up-graded with better sound, smoke, etc.. They too look very nice, but still don't have separately applied grab irons and such, and of course NO fixed pilots.

Our buddy Soo Nut has recently converted one of those MTH NKP passenger GP7 model to fixed pilots and Kadee couplers, and maybe he will weigh in here and provide you with more information.

The issue with the MTH GP7 is it's REALLY a GP9. The main difference between the two prototypes are

• the louvers on the battery boxes under the cab [the gP7 has 3 sets while the Gp9 has one set].
• the hand rails are pipe stantions rather than stantions bent over the rail.

IF you can you are better off with the Lionel legacy version[ still has incorrect handrails] or best yet the atlas o versions if you can find them.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVXq-TeI0ss

You could[ depending on the price] get the MTH "gp7" and add louvers via O Scale America plastic detail or Archer transfer decals [since you are moding the pilot anyway]

Attached please find a comparison of the Atlas O gp7 to the Lionel Legacy gp7.

the #8550 is the atlas o version while the #8512 is the Lionel Legacy version

 Here is an MTH "gp7 version that I just purchased off of da bay. The Premier [as far as body style] is no different. Only differences are

• lit marker lights and
• smoke option and
• see through grills and
• manually rotating fans [you blow on them to rotate].

I have been told that the current MTH GP/SD 7 & 9 models were originally Rail King Line models, and thus have ONLY been up-graded with better sound, smoke, etc..

That is backwards.  The original MTH Premier Geep tooling is now used to produce the Raik King Scale GPs.  MTH made similar moves with other early premier diesels like the SD45 and FP45.  If you look at the photos PRR posted of the unpainted MTH model you can see it has been marked "RKS".  I believe that is the Rail King Scale pre-production sample.

As PRR stated, the current MTH premier GP7/9 has a higher level of detail with wire mesh grills and open fan covers with separate fan blades.  It also has more detailed trucks than the railking or early premier versions.

I hope that we get fixed pilots offered across the entire line of Premier diesels soon.  However, new O scale tooling seems to be coming slowly these days.

The MTH premier GP9 is a scale model with one exception, the full tank is too shallow.

The Atlas model is the best. The speed control on the QSI 2rail sound locos leaves much to desire. Atlas made both GP7 & GP9 models but they are now hard to find.

The Lionel Legacy Geeps are very nice with awesome sound.

I agree with Soo Nut, concerning the Atlas GP9. I have an Atlas 3-Rail equipped with TMCC  for the CB&Q, and had Soo Nut fix the pilots and install Kadee couplers. It is certainly a great model.

I also have an early Lionel Legacy CRI&P "GP7", at least that's what Lionel calls it, which has spectacular sound and slow speed operation. Soo Nut also fixed the pilots and added Kadees on the Lionel model, but indicated that he would never tackle another Lionel Legacy GP7!

I have an Atlas GP9 with PS2 installed, it's one smooth running engine:

The one behind it is a new Lionel Legacy GP9, I don't see a lot of disparity between the two.  The Lionel unit runs just fine as well:

From what I recall, the old MTH and Lionel GP7/9 was just that, a mix of both types.  The louvers were not accurate for either model.

Soo Nut also fixed the pilots and added Kadees on the Lionel model, but indicated that he would never tackle another Lionel Legacy GP7!

Does that also go for the GP9?!?!?!  After I finish my steam projects the Lionel unit will be getting fixed pilots and Kadee couplers, as well as a Seaboard Jolly green Giant paint scheme.  Seaboard had only 1 GP9 painted this way, #1912.

Here's what the paint scheme looked like (I have never found a photo of 1912 and this isn't a GP9):

Here is a picture of Hot Waters Rock Island Lionel GP7 or is it a GP9. If I remember correctly you have to drop the trucks to remove the OEM coupler. Body shell off and fight with the wiring.But A good looking Geep in the end..

You guys tickle me

LOL!  I guess we're like all those Star Trek fans, talking about all the make believe stuff at those conventions like it's the real deal.  Maybe we can coin a new name for ourselves in the same vein as "Trekkies"...how bout "Scalies" (that sounds too much like a disease)

bob2, yes you are correct that the F/GP trucks were too short by a lot but when MTH finally came out with new trucks for GPs and F units they included in the new design the 3/2 capability. Since the new GP7 (or whatever it is) has the 3/2 capability I am assuming it has the improved truck.

"but I absolutely have to have track of the proper gauge, without a center rail."

I didn't know you were a P48 guy? LOL, just kidding. I assume you meant to say track height.

Thanks so much for all the very helpful replies on this thread. I am going to order the MTH GP7. I plan on fixing the pilots like Soo Nut and Laidoffsick has done on this forum.

My main concern was, somewhere a very long time ago I saw a comparison between a MPC GP unit and a Red Caboose GP9. The Red Caboose was much thinner in the body because (I am guessing) the MPC unit had to allow width for the Pullmoor motor. After seeing the pics posted above by 'Curve it certainly looks like that tooling is not used anymore. I think the locomotive once it has a Kadee coupler and fixed pilots will look pretty good. I may even add some light weathering. I agree not as good as Atlas but it should be close to it.

Soo Nut posted:

"The speed control on the QSI 2rail sound locos leaves much to desire."

Well, I wouldn't say much to be desired but I do agree that MTH has better speed control. Which is another reason I am going with MTH not to mention that Atlas doesn't have GP7s or 9s available right now. I won't even consider buying Lionel even though I agree they have some nice looking products. The problem with Lionel for me is they don't support 2 rail or DCC. And probably never will. Oh well, I wouldn't mind buying some of their products but the cost of conversion puts Lionel out of my budget.

Thanks again guys.

Let us know which one you get.

I've always wanted a GP7, I like the plainness of them, at least the ones Seaboard owned (I wonder if I can find someone to swap their Lionel GP7 shell for the Lionel GP9 shell, and if it would fit?)