Which USA Diesel?

[Anonymous]

I've concluded I need a diesel to keep my Hudson company. Tthe Hudson is my only locomotive and the thought of hoisting that 40lb beast onto newly laid (elevated) track to check for kinks, electrical continuity, etc.. gives me the willies.

So.... I was thinking of a USA GP9 or GP30, etc.., but haven't found any reviews or much in the way of commentary on either. Any thoughts? Thanks much for any pointers.

[pimanjc]

Bob,
If you are interested in preserving era, you might want to consider the F3s, oe one of the switchers from Aristo or USA.
JimC.

[Anonymous]

I have a USA GP9 (Great Northern), it's very strong and runs great!!!

dan

[Anonymous]

My preference the LGB Davenport Sumpter Valley or D&RGW Diesels.

[vsmith]

Bob keep in mind that both GP's use the same drivetrain, both are excellent runners, so it really is only a matter of which looks better to you. Personally I prefer the "Old School" looks of the high nose GP9 and a BIG plus is that the GP9 comes in several fallen flag colors of the same era as your Hudson.

If your Hudson is NYC, a lightning bolt NYC GP9 would look right at home.

[devils]

Any of the USA GP's or their F3's are good models, so whichever paint scheme loco style you like best! Go to Model Railroader at the top of this pageLook in the Model Railroader review section right down the bottom you'll find large scale reviews and there is one on the F3's and the reviews on the GP38 and GP9 were full of praise but I don't think they are online.
hope this helps

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your replys gentlemen. I neglected to mention my Hudson is a D&RGW, so I'd want the diesel to be in that livery if possible. The GP9 is available in a 'bumble bee' black and yellow color scheme which looks pretty nice in the pictures I've seen. I didn't know which diesel would be compatible era wise.

Between the GP9 and GP30 is there any objective reason to buy one over the other or is it strictly looks alone?

[pimanjc]

A friend in the local club has a F3-A/B in the gold DRGW. It looks great and runs great. My SF F3s also run great.
Here is a pic of her F3 at the Flower and garden Show last year.



JimC.

[devils]

Well a GP9 is closer era wise to an in service steam loco, but who's to say it's not been pulled out on a special and have it alongside the GP30.
Aristo do the Alco RS3 in the yellow stripe livery as well . . . . .[:D]

[vsmith]

I would say its looks only, mechanically there all similar