This morning Athearn Trains announced a new production of GP7/9 locomotives in a number of new options such as 'B' units and rebuilds. The first of the 'B' units will be Union Pacific and Pennsylvania units. The C&NW offering is perfect for Chicago Commuter operations and also features a rebuilt/ repaint version. I have attempted to provide you with some basic details as the Athearn announcement sheet has not yet been posted. Pre-orders are due by Friday February 26 2015 and I suspect delivery should be expected in October 2015.
These locomotives join a number of other options Athearn has already delivered...with many many more paint and detail schemes to follow in the coming years. Thousands of EMD GP7/ GP9 and 'B' units were produced by EMD...therefore Athearn has a seemingly endless product offering for a very very long time.
Below you will find details for each offering as well as a new blue PRE-ORDER NOW button that will connect you via e-mail to place your pre-order with Overland Hobbies. If you prefer not to use the button you may also list your model numbers requested to brian@overlandhobbies.com so we can note your interest and then contact you when the models arrive in the Fall of 2015.
Missy, Jake and I look forward to your pre-orders and wish you a wonderful day. Keep warm...and enjoy this modeling season. For in stock items please visit our site to purchase for your current modeling needs.
Chicago & North Western GP9, as delivered, standard DC Built by EMD in the spring of 1953. This was the final GP7 order for C&NW which was for 35 units. Nine of these units (#'s 1650-1658) were equipped with a wide array of specialized detail for Chicago Suburban Commuter Service operations. Note the details for Commuter Service such as a steam generator vent and exhaust stack in the forward short hood, a large combined fuel and water tank which in turn forced the extra large air tanks to be mounted on the roof...and a separate auxiliary generator. housed at the end of the long hood. Details from Don Stracks UtahRails.net.
Chicago & North Western GP9R, standard DC As with many railroads...in the past and still today...shop forces were used to rebuild/ standard/ up-grade or life extend...you pick the term...C&NW had its own program from 1971 to 1981 to give new or extended life to EMD GP7/9 locomotives at their Oelwein, Iowa shops. From June 1972 to October 1973 the shops completed work on the 4321 and a small number of other units like this former commuter service unit. Details from Don Stracks UtahRails.net