Re-powering a Lionel Gp-7

[philo426]

Hi guys I just won a Lionel #8750 Rock Island GP-7.and I want to replace the pullmor motor with a modern can motor with flywheels.I need you guys to recommend someone who does this.thanks.

[brianel027]

philo, I think you'd be better off looking for another Geep and switching the shells or looking on eBay and maybe you'd get lucky and find a Geep chassis.

What you want to do can probably be done, but not without some effort. The sheet metal frame of your current Rock Island GP-7 has a large opeing cut into it to accomodate the Pullmore type motor. The sheet metal frame for the truck mounted DC can motor assembly and also the vertical can motor assembly (which is what you want) are significantly different.

In the past I have had the same idea you've had, and thought about it. But it would be much easier to find a motorized chassis with the vertical flywheel mounted motor. The shells are far more interchangable than are the chassis assemblies. Then there's the other consideration (which you didn't mention) of if you are also seeking to have the speed control function: which means have the special flywheel with the sensors and then the additional electronics to go with that.

From a cost perspective, it might be cheaper to just buy another GP with the motor you want. Williams GP's are better made than the Lionel MPC type GP you have with dual vertical wheel motors, die cast trucks and die cast fuel tank. I'm sure Williams has had the Rock Island road on one of their GP's. Maybe you could put the Lionel sheel on one of those, but it's possible the Lionel sheel might not fit exactly correct on the Williams chassis: possibly someone reading this knows.

But this also begs the question, are you having problems with the current motor? Or is it the improved performance/coasting you are seeking to have? There are some tweeks and maintenance proceedures you can do to improve the performance of your GP.

[underworld]

I don't know of anyone that does that but I have always liked Sagami can motors. They are available in many sizes and configurations.

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[philo426]

No real problems just that the loco doesn't really perform well at low speeds.At higher speeds with a medium load it runs quite well.if a little noisy.This loco was truly mint in mint box and I got it for a very good price.After re-lubing it and letting it run at medium to high speeds she ran a little better.What I do not like (and is just the nature of the beast)is how it will come to a dead stop after power is cut.I guess I am spoiled by my fly-wheel equipped locos that glide to a stop.Oh and the buzzing of the mechanical E-unit sure brings back memories!

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'm not sure if the large vertical can motors are available on the 4 wheel GP trucks. The 6 wheel SD trucks do have the vertical motors. The GP trucks that I'm familiar with gave small cans mounted inside the truck itself. The work pretty well, very quiet, with decent slow speed. One thing about the small cans is, they don't have flywheels, but because of the gearing, they will coast to a stop.

[CB_Fan]

I repowered a Lionel GP-7 by buying an inexpensive Williams GP-9. Both had front and rear screws for attaching the shell to the chassis, so it was an easy exchange. And I got rid of that noisy postwar mechanical E-unit!

[philo426]

Thanks Cb I was considering doing just what you did.Seems like the most practical option at this point!