GP-9 question

[tcripe]

Can anyone tell me what is the square piece that covers the next-to-the-last fan right behind the brake blister on Lionel GP-9's? I've looked at a lot of prototype pictures and haven't found any with that covering.
- Terry

[Anonymous]

This was not installed on all locomotives. It is a shroud to partially block airflow and force recirculation. In some cold weather areas this was requried to keep unit working properly when temps were very low and the engine might be idling for long periods of time.

http://listserv.dartmouth.org/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0104d&L=smrf&D=1&T=0&P=2072

[Dr. John]

Chuck's correct. It was usually called a winterization hatch and could be removed, although most railroads that used them left them on year round. Most common on railroads that were in colder regions of the country and in Canada.

[tcripe]

Thanks for the information - I would have thought I'd seen them on photos of Rio Grande units, but then none I've seen were taken during the winter or maybe they didn't use them.
- Terry