Williams GG1

[dwiemer]

I just got off the phone with Williams, they will be shipping the GG1s that a number of us ordered next week. I am looking forward to its arrival and probably doing the "Fix" mentioned in the other post. I have wanted one of these since I saw my Dad's catalog from '49. Now I will have one and will have to somehow tell the Mrs. that we need a passenger set to go with it.[:-^]
Dennis

[phillyreading]

Don't know about the GG1 by Williams but their other products are very good and will pull alot of freight cars. The GP-9's are great for pulling power, the S-2 steam locomotive is very good too.
A little history about the GG1, designed for the Pennsylvania Railroad and was in service for over 50 years either with Pennsy or Amtrack, 6000 horsepower electric.
Lee F.

[cnw1995]

Boy, I can't wait to get this. I've always wanted a GG1. I'm going to save it for my birthday in May. I called Williams today and they also told me they are in and shipping next week. Not bad for $184 (platinum club membership and shipping too), you get the GG1 and a car or caboose of your choice. I'm getting an REA boxcar...

[csxt30]

Dennis & Doug: that's great you are getting one !!
Also the GG-1 was in service on the PennCentral RR ! What an engine !! Too bad it will never run again, they say. There are several in museums though !
Thanks,

[cnw1995]

So let's see - the GG1 was operated by the Pennsy, Penn Central, Amtrak and NJ Transit. Anyone else?

[dwiemer]

Not totally sure, but I think Conrail had some in service too. I lived up in the north part of NJ and saw these in action. While I never saw one in Amtrak atire, I did see the others. they were a sight to behold.
I got the Timkin car with my membership. A great deal. I told my Dad, who gave me his set from '49, about this. I am trying to get the complete '49 catalog and have most of it, but I didn't want to shell out the money for the GG1 as I heard that they didn't have much power, whereas the Williams ones do.
Dennis

[cnw1995]

I think you're right, Dennis. I have a book on Electric Locomotives I've been reading and John's post called to mind a line from it that was something about the GG-1 running under five "flags" - and I recall seeing a photo of one in Penn Central black with the old CR logo.

[csxt30]

Oh, yeah, Conrail too ! I remember seing pictures of Conrail ones too. There's
some web sites with all the GG-1s & their locations, where they are now. Plus, I know Lionel made them in Conrail & PC, plus, didn't they make a Spirit of 76 one, also ?
Thanks,

[jakeoregano]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dwiemer

Not totally sure, but I think Conrail had some in service too. I lived up in the north part of NJ and saw these in action. While I never saw one in Amtrak atire, I did see the others. they were a sight to behold.
I got the Timkin car with my membership. A great deal. I told my Dad, who gave me his set from '49, about this. I am trying to get the complete '49 catalog and have most of it, but I didn't want to shell out the money for the GG1 as I heard that they didn't have much power, whereas the Williams ones do.
Dennis

The original Lionel GG-1 #2332 from 47-49 is a single motor with nickel rimmed drive wheels, and therefore lacks magnetraction. It's a very heavy die cast loco and does have a little trouble pulling a lot of cars. The nickel rimmed wheels tend to lose traction. Anyone with one of the early 671 turbines with nickel drivers probably knows what I'm talking about. However, subsequent GG-1's (2330, 2340, 2360 and modern era) are all 2 motor, magnetraction locos with plenty of pulling power. They are also a little pricey for good conditioned ones so the Williams is a good deal.

I love the original 2332 however, and have a few. I've seen the add for the Williams and have been tempted to get one because of the attractive price; but I really like the old ones.

Regardless, the GG-1 is a classic toy train and one that I love to watch on the rails. It's by far my favorite train.[:D]

Dwayne

[Anonymous]

the GG-1 was rated at 4600 continous horsepower but could produce 10,000 short term horses! Yes,Conrail did indeed have GG-1s geared for ninty miles per hour,some Amtrak Gs were geared for 125 MPH to pull Amfleet eqipped Metroliner trains. What a sight Art deco meets the space age and spliced together by an head end power car.