Review of my new legacy gp9

I'm glad you like it.  My C&O GP9 gets lots of run time.

Glad to see a good report.

I am considering a new GP9 for my layout, if one can be had.

Thank you for this review.  It sounds like a good loco and one I would like to have.

 

Would you mind reporting back in, say, a month?  The reason I ask is that your review sounds just like mine for the two powered U30C Legacy models I bought -- my most recent Legacy diesels.  I loved them.  But durability was a problem.  Bothdied within about 10 hours of running. 

 

One I got fixed - bad control card), the other I ruined trying to fix it* I did fix the problem but could not get the body back on (off the chassis, it was warped - the chassis had been keeping it straight, and it broke when I tried to force it straight to reattach). 

 

Just interested in the durability you see . . .

For the amount of $$ Lionel Charges on dummy units, I can't see why they can't give us the lights and roller pick-ups in the dummy units! Really! Throw us a small bone at least!

Excellent idea. My Atlas O C&O GP9 dummy has lights, and even switches underneath to control WHICH lights you want ON.

I'm surprised the dummy has no lights, I doubt I'd want that item, I'd rather have a few boxcars to drag around.

prrhorseshoecurve,

You are correct.

What, would it take to beef-up the dummy unit, for the outrageously high price, of it?!!!!!

The same with a MPC GP-7/9 dummy unit, which was blank.

I installed lamps, pick-up rollers and a bake-lite micro switch, for the lamps, on the bottom of the dummy!

The switch sits high enough and clears the railway.

RJL

I hate to sound clue-less, but why would I want a dummy locomotive to have lights?

 

I would not buy one without lights. Good for the train backing-up, a dummy on a siding waiting, to light up dark areas of the yard or siding, to add realism - in short, why not? There is nothing quite so mystical as the headlight of an approaching engine off in the distance!

Sounds like we need "smart" dummies. Wouldn't be hard to do...price point may be the determining factor though.

a loco on the interior of a large consist would normally be dark (I believe). Those on the ends would need lights and couplers. I feel that a dumb dummy is fine but the price should be much lower.

True, but there are cases for placing the dummy in the lead, thus the OPTION for lights would sure be nice. I have a pair of those Atlas Trainman high nose big ALCO "alligator" units, both of which are powered. The Atlas Trainman diesels do NOT have cab figures, which is fine, since they are lower priced powered units. Thus, I place an Atlas O (master series) dummy C&O GP9 in the lead, set the appropriate lighting switches underneath, and have a great looking C&O consist.

 

It is also advisable to place a dummy unit in the lead position, if you are pulling pretty heavy/long trains (obviously not with "F" units, however).

For $239, they sure should be able to put lights, electrocouplers and smoke in it! In 2008, the Legacy Conrail dummy came with a full set of lights, electrocouplers, and fan driven smoke for $199!  It's like they doubled the price of this stuff in a couple of years.

I agree with you guys. I would like to see at least lights that could be switched front to back so they are on no matter which way it is facing especially the markers. 

Can you elaborate on smoke volume increases as in more throttle applied the smoke gets heavier? Does it do this in all 8 rpm levels or just a heavier smoke at first rpm level and no change after that. Anyone have a video of this gp-9 $oo

Can you elaborate more on smoke output? When rpm increases in all 8 levels it gets heavier smoke output or just from idle to first rpm then stays same next seven levels? Thanks for clarity $oo

My experience tells me it increases at each level. Also using the efx/brake slider will increase smoke volume on steam engines. I love setting brake to almost full on and throttle at full to get tons of smoke and great sounds on steamers. I tend to decrease RPM on diesels after reaching speed which cuts the smoke a bit and makes a more realistic sound in my opinion. Legacy engines ofifer so many ways to individualize smoke and sound.