GP7 & GP9 what is the visual difference?

[dfocht]

I'm looking to buy a C&O GP7 but they seem pretty scarce.

I found a used one that looks to be to be a GP9 (#5817).

But i can't tell the difference.[:I]

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

Doug

[DSchmitt]

GP7's and early GP9's had 4 fans on the long hood (not counting the dynamic brake fan on units so equipped) Latter GP9's had only two.

GP7's and 9's had different arrangements of louvers on their sides (I am not sure this is true in all cases).

Incidently the most visible spotting feature between the GP9 and the GP18 was the shrouded fans on the GP18's but at least some late GP'9s had them too.

[Anonymous]

The easiest way I have found is that at the far end on the long hood a GP7 will have two long rows of louvers. A GP9 may or may not have louvers here but they will not be in two long rows.

[dfocht]

Thanks guys!

Here's an example of a used one I was looking to purchase.



Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Doug

[dano99a]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dfocht

Thanks guys!

Here's an example of a used one I was looking to purchase.



Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Doug

With the C&O (and most other railroads) the main obvious difference is a set of three louvers or "grills" under the side windows extending forward beyond the windows under the walkway of the short hood on both side (these are battery boxs to be exact). In some photos (at least for the C&O) you may find a GP9 with 2 or 3 sets instead of the typical 1 under the short hood walkway. this is because the needed to fix and or replace the battery cover and took it off a GP7. The C&O road number way to tell the difference is road numbers 5700 - 5900 were GP7's 5901 - 6099 were true C&O GP9's then after WM and B&O came into the picture numbers 6135 - 6683 were a mix most of which was B&O

What you have there is a GP7 with a dynamic brake. Now if you wanted to be prototypical: First, the walkways were never yellow on any GP7 or 9 I had that confirmed by the C&O H.S. The 5817 you would want to smooth the top of that short hood, install a Nathan 5 chime with 3 forward and 2 back install a short hood nose mounted bell. The 5817 had metal awnings over the side windows the C&O had stopped use the canvas ones at 5811 Then picked them back up again for GP9's 6000's through 6048.

Not that I'm a rivet counter but I have spent a stupid amount of time researching the C&O GP7's and 9's [:)] And I'll gladly share what I know with anyone who asks or cares. If I don't know I'll mostly go find out for you! So, hope this helps

Happy Modeling

[dfocht]

Wow! I appreciate the time and info you gave me.

If I get this model I'll certainly the modifications you suggested.

Thanks.
Doug

[dano99a]

Your welcome! Glad I could help

oh yeah, there's a sanding hatch right directly behind the bell and a grab iron to the left of that if your looking directly at the front of the short nose. There are other details you could add but then you get into road number specific details because the C&O modified all their Geeps in someway shape or form.

and:

GP7's & 9's have 4 fans 5 if there is a dyn brake.

Once again, happy modeling, contact me if you want more ramblings from me about geeps [:)]