Red Caboose GP7?

Bob - Red Caboose never revised their original GP9 body or hand rail tooling to offer a GP7.  Perhaps other can confirm but I think AtlasO picked up the Red Caboose GP9 tooling and has since offered both GP7's and GP9's. 

Ed Rappe

Thanks Ed, that's what I was thinking during my search.  So far, Atlas has not offered any shell parts for their GP7.

How's that layout coming?

Bob

The track is complete but scenery is only about 1/3 done - it sure takes a lot of time!

Ed

Atlas did buy the tooling for the Red caboose GP-9.  It was upgraded and is used for their GP-7s and 9s.

Ed boyle

The red caboose GP 7/9 body is a kit. In a complete body kit, they give you the battery box sides for either a GP7 or a GP9. The handrails are the other telltale sign and gp 7 brass stantions can be purchase form O Scale America [Des Plains Hobbies]

The other tell-tale difference between GP7s and GP9s as built is the placement and number of louvres on the long hood.   The GP7 has louvres near the ends of the hood, on 2 doors side by side near the cab and on 2 under the radiator separated by 2 blanks.    This Leaves all the center doors on the hood smooth and easy to letter.

The GP9 on the other hand Has the 2 louvre doors near the cab, and 3 more doors with large louvres about under the dynamic brake location and only one at the end of the hood on the last door.

These are as built.  Obviously over the years many were reworked and this could have changed as parts were moved around.  

Unfortunately, changing the louvres on the side of the hood is a hard kitbash, in my opinion.    I think Des Plaines at one time also offered brass GP7 sides to replace the plastic ones.   You would have to cut out the plastic side and install the brass one.

Also note that the dynamic brake is NOT a spotting feature.    Both the GP7 and GP9 were built with and without dynamic brake blisters.