New $50 GEEP from K-Line

[Dave Farquhar]

Anyone seen the new $50 K-Line GP7s?



I've seen mixed responses to it. But I like it. I've always figured I'd have to stick with steam engines on my layout because nobody made a diesel I could afford, and even most postwar diesels are out of my price range. Now there's not one, but two companies making a diesel I can afford.

It's only available as part of their Fall Fair Days promotion, but I hope it's a raging success for them so they'll make them generally available. Between this and the Keystone Keepsakes line, it's possible to make a pretty nice train on the cheap with K-Line. I'm happy to see it. Now I just have to figure out how to get my hands on one, since the closest participating dealer to me is four hours away.

Any other reactions?

[brianel027]

Dave, I don't know what kind of steamers you are running, but usually steamers are more expensive than diesels. One thing about the general industry/hobbiest move towards scale proportioned, command equippped trains is that it has brought down prices on many less-than-scale, non-command, run of the mill kinds of trains.

If you are looking for affordable diesels, keep you eyes open for the earler K-Line 027 Alco FA's, the K-Line 027 S-2, the K-Line MP-15 (diecast trucks): all easily found on ebay for around $50-$70. The new Williams Centercab 44-ton switcher can be found under $100. Though with only one motor, it is a larger flywheel equipped motor, sheet metal frame and trucks/couplers are diecast too.

I haven't yet actually seen this K-Line Geep. And there are no product feature listings on their website. We're probably seeing a preproduction picture in the catalog. This is the same loco used in the "Kids 0" battery powered set, only modified with motors, 3 rail trucks, couplers etc. I'm sure the frame is plastic and I'm not wild about the obvious screws on the sides holding the handrails. The truck sides look like the same ones on the K-Line MP-15, which are diecast. Maybe they're using the same diecast trucks on this one too... that would be a plus! The body looks very similar to a MPC/LTI era GP shell: notice the lack of detail where the roadname is printed. It appears to have the ladder steps on the end of the cab added on rather than molded in. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

This is certainly an entry level unit and price/feature wise on a similar level with the new Lionel RS-3, only this K-Line Geep has two motors where as the Lionel RS-3 usually comes with one motor (though the Ont. Nort. one came with 2 for whatever reason). I'm sure the intent of this Geep is for a kid's first train engine, but it sure looks like a real budget adult modeler candidate for some more modifications and improvements to it.

This is still a welcome and needed direction for the hobby right now. I'm certain K-Line spent no real serious money on tooling for this... it was probably made from existing dies. But still, it's being made and this is the kind of product that is lacking today.

Though I've actually now worn a groove into my head from scratching it so much wondering why don't the companies put a quasi-current roadname on product that is intended for an age group that did not grow up in the postwar era? CSX pumpkin scheme (all orange/black lettering), NS (all black/white lettering) CR blue or grey ballast scheme (either all blue/white lettering or all grey/black lettering) or CP Rail (all red/black and white graphics)... all simple production/cost schemes... must be they pay less royalty to use the old names versus the new ones.

[Dave Farquhar]

Brian, my steamers are all postwar 2026/2037 or the like, or Marx. Postwar diesels are pricier than those. As far as new stuff, until really recently there was a whole lot of nothing selling for under $100 or under $75, so I'm happy to see it.

I agree, it would be nice to see another paint scheme on it. Something more current, something more colorful, or whatever. Being from Missouri I'd like to see one in a MoPac scheme but it probably won't happen unless I paint one myself.

Whether as a child's first engine or as a platform for adult modelers to bash on without spending a lot of money, or to just run without spending a lot of money, we needed to see something, and this qualifies. We're getting really close to the point where G scale is more affordable than O. If I hadn't already had a box full of my dad's postwar Lionel to get me started, I know which direction I would have gone.

[Anonymous]

I'm for anything that's cheap in this hobby.

[brianel027]

Dave, my tastes are pretty simple as far as features go. I prefer non-command, off-board sound locos. I've gotten to the point where circuit boards have come out of many and I run on straight DC current. The DC can motored locos really do run smoother and more consistant on DC current.

In the nearly 14 years I've been back in the hobby I haven't ever spent more than $90 for an engine (and that was only once). Usually my average price is between $25-$65. Granted, there is scant little new in the box in this price range. But there is stuff in that price range, but you'll probably need to go to train shows or watch for blowouts. I once bought a couple of K-Line Alco FA's, both power units done for the TCA, but with broken pilots on the shell. I didn't pay more than $60 for the pair... perfect candidates for my paint & repair shop. I got the dummy A units in the deal too, though they also had broken pilots. They were missing the ornamental plastic horns, but I replaced them with the better looking Lionel type.

Train sets are an excellent way to get an engine, cars, track and transformer to boot. When I first started back in the hobby, the first set I bought was for $145. The next 3 were all on sale for under $100.00. I wasn't bothered by the smaller K-Line (Marx origin) cars, nor the K-Line S-2 switcher which is my favorite engine because it's smaller size looks right at home with traditionally sized trains. You should still be able to find a K-Line S-2 for under $60.00 or lower on e-bay.

Right now my train buying is on a total hold. But I just saw a MPC Lionel steamer at a sale for $35. It was a plastic shell version, but not a bad price for an otherwise in very good shape loco. Last year I found a cheap DC powered Lionel Rock Island Docksider at the Salvation Army for 95¢ ... couldn't go wrong at that price, especially since it wasn't a beater at all. There's a Lionel non-TMCC but command-ready MoPac GP-20 (die-cast trucks too) from a few years back that's been a blowout... probably a little harder to find right now at the blowout price. I know I've seen one listed for $120 sometime in the past year.

Good luck Dave. If you buy one of the K-Line GP's let us know how you like it.

[Dr. John]

Not too bad looking for $50.00. It doesn't have the charm of a Beep, but it has the more recognizeable silhouette of a full size GP-7. I wonder what kind of drive it has?

[3railguy]

The K-Line catalog shows a solid blue Santa-Fe version in their regular line for $49.95. I'm sure there will be a SP black widow scheme in the near future like the one used on the GP-7 battery train (same shell) I assume these will have a motor in one or both trucks. The catalog description doesn't say. Neither does their webpage. This could mean a single motor since I'd think they would point out two.

[brianel027]

Dr. John, K-Line hasn't listed features for this unit. But I'd say it is very safe to assume they are using the same truck-mounted DC can motor that many of their older first issue diesels had. Especially since they are using the same basic shell and frame for the battery powered train... the easiest cost savings manner here would be just using the truck mounted can motor.

To me, the trucks on this GP look very much like the ones on the MP-15, minus the additional front step piece. Whether this GP has 2 motors or 1 motor, plastic or die-cast truck sides... that's info we'll have to wait and see on.