richhotrain inquired: So, Mr. B., are you excited or what???
So, Mr. B., are you excited or what???
Yes, but this is hockey night, so my date with Gigi will have to wait until tomorrow.
"Out for delivery," according to UPS.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley According to Trainworld, my GG-1 is on its way and will arrive sometime today.
According to Trainworld, my GG-1 is on its way and will arrive sometime today.
I am, and I didn't even buy it.
Will you be waiting out by the curb for GiGi?
Rich
Alton Junction
#4876, the model in the Bachmann photo, had a bad day in 1953:
Thanks to a mis-set brake valve in the trailing passenger train, the train had minimal braking as it approached Washington, DC's Union Station. It crashed through the bumper post and through the wall, then collapsed the floor inside the station. There were no fatalities, and only 6 people were hurt badly enough to require hospitalization. The engine crew of 2 climbed out under their own power.
#4876 was disassembled, moved to Altoona and re-built. She served for another 30 years, and now is on display in the B&O Museum.
Mr B.
I know I'm late to this party, so I'll be brief.
My prototype preference is no secret. All but one of my conventional-pantograph catenary motors are 1:80 scale models of 42 inch gauge prototypes.
The exception is a GG1.
The Pennsy motor is my clearance checker. It has no problem running under the same (virtual) catenary as my JNR motors and EMU sets. Most of the time it lives in a display case, but it has been known to hand off a standard JNR passenger consist - to either a Niagara or a N&W J...
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - sort of)
AntonioFP45 asked: Which version are you getting?
Which version are you getting?
This one!
Mine is in HO, of course, but the Bachmann site uses this O-gauge picture as an illustration.
Sound and DCC.
Mr B,
With the order placed, that seems to have settled the question. However, there remains the location for the new layout. As for Dave's suggestion of NH, it would keep you close to skiing, your local shop would be only a state away, though if you went to Dave country, it would be an excursion and you could still get to the Amherst show without too much trouble. As for the actual structure to hold the layout, make sure the realtor knows you want a large cellar, center stairway, covered by something your wife will enjoy playing in.
When we rebuilt after a fire, the basement was perfect for a large layout, just I hadn't given thoughts for such, as the old house basement was a hostile environment for a layout. The wife designated a second floor space for the train room, so I was expecting to go there and too busy working to think about using the cellar. (Hadn't found the forums for suggestions either.) Set the basement up for other needs. (Plan could have been mmodified.) Then son returned home, train room gone, only a small space in the basement available. When you find your new space, claim it quickly with sufficient materials to make it unwelcome to other uses.
Good luck house hunting, enjoy your GG-1, whether it fits or not, druthers based on memories are powerful things.
Have fun,
Richard
As a modeler of the roads along the Columbia River, I say NO to a GG1. You must not seccumb to the dreaded fun-monster.
And please ignore those two Virginian rectifiers behind my curtain. Oh, yeah, and the Acela train.
But except for that, ABSOLUTELY NO.
And, to be a continuing contrarian, I'd strongly recommend picking up the following--my fave Milw electrics:
Oh, all right. You can get a G first, if you must. Just to placate the fun-monster.
Ed
Mr. Beasley,
MisterBeasley ........................ But, with the "you snooze, you lose" culture of 21st century train buying, I figured I should get one while I could, and worry about the future when the future gets here.
........................ But, with the "you snooze, you lose" culture of 21st century train buying, I figured I should get one while I could, and worry about the future when the future gets here.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Yes, I stretch reality a bit, but don't we all?
The subways, though they look like NYC cars, belong to the Moose Bay Transit Authority. The stations on the line are South Ferry (from New York,) Scollay Square (from Boston) and Penny Lane and Saint Anne Street, named after my wife and daughter.
If I thought I'd always be able to buy a GG-1, I'd wait until I saw what I had for a trainroom in the future. But, with the "you snooze, you lose" culture of 21st century train buying, I figured I should get one while I could, and worry about the future when the future gets here.
I'm in agreement with Maxman regarding my own layout. The NYC J1e doesn't get run when "witnesses" are present I was floored when I visited the GG1 in the Penn. museum at how tiny the cab was!!! It wasn't much bigger than a phone booth-couldn't have been comfortable.
I've drawn the line at non era/locale specific/correct locos after the J2e, but we all have our loves of "the forbidden". I've "extended" the lines for SP and Sana Fe further N. than they ran, but they're still "neighbor" roads to my locale and "justified".
I live near Milwaukee Road's electrified line in the Pacific N.W. I'd like to see a Little Joe and Bi-Polar from someone other than MTH come along.
Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
richhotrainWell, there you have it. It is unanimous.
Not quite. I'm of the school where I have a stake in the ground that approximately defines my era, my locale, and my rolling stock. So when I have the urge to run off after my latest desire to accumulate something, the chain attached to that stake tightens around my neck and jerks me back to reality.
I would strongly suggest the AHM/Rivarossi GG-1. Of all the prototypes made by other manufacturers in any gauge, the HO scale Rivarossi comes the closest and as accurate as possible to the real one both in scale and detail. It's performance and durability for the price is impeccable. It is a quiet, powerful smooth runner. Those who have them can vouch for me. Mostly the main reason why I've collected close to 100 units and have at least one of each of the 12 AHM/Rivarossi made. For you doubters, there were 12 versions of the GG-1 mfd by Rivarossi for AHM not 11. Do not confuse the AHM units manufactured after the Rivarosssi demise from AHM. Good luck and go with your heart!
Good going Mr. Beasley!
Years back I became interested in the Broadway Limited GG1, but continually put it off. Then eventually when production stopped, the units were selling for $300+ on ebay. Add to my "missing out", MTH winds up with the BLI GG1's tooling & molds. Now MTH's "Protosound" version sells for over $400 msrp.
After Bachmann introduced their affordable GG1, I posted a thread on another forum asking for opinions from owners. The feedback was positive, overall, and I decided to go for it. It was $159.99 from MB Klein for the sound version. I chose the Dk Green with the large single stripe as this was the scheme that the majority of the Gs were in during the late 1960s. Although there is an error on this particular version (yellow letters on the large keystone herald instead of white) it's a beauty and I'm happy with it. It will be used for my "Alcladded" version of the Seaboard Coast Line Champion.
Curious........you stated that you model the Milwaukee Road, yet I've seen photos of you running classic NYC subway cars. If you dabble in 1960s-70s northeastern traction, then adding a GG1 to your heavy rail fleet would seem appropriate.
Which version are you getting? Pennsy? Penn Central?
Sir Madog As Mr. B. is also looking into getting a Bi-Polar and maybe a Little Joe to boot, I change my verdict to "Yes - go for it!"
As Mr. B. is also looking into getting a Bi-Polar and maybe a Little Joe to boot, I change my verdict to "Yes - go for it!"
Well, there you have it. It is unanimous.
Larry - I am a steam and electric fan (somehow that sounds funny). I adore just anything old ( pre 1950´s)with pantographs on top of it. That includes the GG1 which is certainly the most beautiful electric loco of that era.
Sir MadogFor haven´s sake, everybody is agreeing to you, because the GG1 is a nice looking loco and certainly a "landmark" loco as well.
Actually,I'm the oddball I guess since I never liked the Goo-Goo 1 or any electrified locomotive..
I never would agree to buy one but,if Mr.B wants one then I will encourage him to buy it before they're long gone or cheapen as far as quality.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
MisterBeasley Thank you, one and all. The order has been placed.
Thank you, one and all. The order has been placed.
Ahhh, Mr. B., Walt would be pleased. We need pics of course.
Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:
My Railroad
My Youtube:
Graff´s channel
If I do have the space for a true electrified line in my retirement home, Ulrich, I may get both the Bi-Polar and the Little Joe. But, they are only made by MTH, that I know of, and that could present compatability problems.
I say
For haven´s sake, everybody is agreeing to you, because the GG1 is a nice looking loco and certainly a "landmark" loco as well. If I were to make up that decision, I´d forget buying a GG1 and get a Milwaukee Road Bi-Polar instead!
Mr. Beasley, only you can answer that question (should I buy a GG1)..........
But may I suggest.......... you model the Milwaukee, and as I understand they had some very impressive boxcabs that traveled on the line to the west coast thru the Rockies. To me, that would be very impressive to model.
The GG1s were impressive as well, but basically an urban locomotive in an urban setting.
Just something to think about...............
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
MisterBeasley Bachmann now has GG-1s with sound, and I've seen them for a pretty good price and free shipping. What do you think? Should I buy one of these now, purely in anticipation of future fun? Or should I wait and see if my dream comes true first, before I buy a locomotive to go along with it?
Bachmann now has GG-1s with sound, and I've seen them for a pretty good price and free shipping. What do you think? Should I buy one of these now, purely in anticipation of future fun? Or should I wait and see if my dream comes true first, before I buy a locomotive to go along with it?
Mister Beasley, if you listen closely, I believe that Walt Disney is calling to you from his grave to buy Gigi.
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
As dreamers do
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
Your dreams come true
MisterBeasley Or should I wait and see if my dream comes true first, before I buy a locomotive to go along with it?
Mr.B,They say if you snooze you loose. You can always put the Goo-Goo 1 in a display case for that future layout.
To be sure I've waited to buy a certain model and now they're long out of stock and as hard to find as a needle in a hay stack..
Buy now or you may lament later.
I wouldsuggests getting it now if you want it. Even if you don't have an electrified main line, you could run it with a diesel and rewrite history to say that a few GG-1s were modified to receive power from an diesel electric when not running on electrified lines, so it basically is a slug on nonelectrified mainlines. Or just forget being trying to be prototypical, and just have fun and run what you want. Its YOUR railroad, don't worry about the rivet counters.
If you don't like the look of it running without the overhead wires, you can always add them later
Buy it.
I love my GG1, first S scale engine I bought. It doesn't fit with anything else I'm doing and I have no catenary. But some engines are just cool to have and run.
Enjoy
Paul
I grew up in New York and vividly remember the GG1's. Even though I model northern California and southern Oregon, I have been tempted to buy the Kato Broadway Limited set. I have seen it run on various layouts at the Timonium Md train show and it is a correct and beautiful train.
Ira
I too live in the same sorry state of taxachussettes. But I do model the great PRR in steam and early diesels. I have contemplated a G for a long time until I see them run on the clubs layout without cantenary. They just look too silly reaching for the invisible wires. Its like running a steamer without a coaling station or water spout. If you put the wires up then go for it. If no wires then its up to you.
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
I bought a GG1 for my Broadway Limited so YES. I was also of buying one in Conrail 1976-1776 and Amtrak version.
When the time comes I'll be buying a Union Pacific Big Boy numbered 4004. When it's made.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Mr. B. I model Western roads but having grown up in N.J., and having a poor version of a Marx Hudson, I succumbed to the BLI Je1. I saw a lot of GG1s and made it a point to visit one at the Pennsyvania R.R. Museum.
I too have a "jones" for Bachmann's GG1 out of nostalgia. If I didn't have to put every penny into continuing the layout build, I'd probably consider one too. (Color Me Tuscan). Considering batch ordering, pre-ordering and other evils of our times, I'd encourage you to get one now as you might not see them again for half a decade.