HO GP7 Locomotive, CR #5839 Overview
In 1976, the federal government created the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to assume control of several bankrupt and/or financially struggling eastern railroads. Among these was the bankrupt Reading Company, whose railroad assets were sold to Conrail on April 1, 1976. Part of this acquisition was a group of 17 EMD GP7 locomotives. While several units were put to work immediately with patched numbers and logos, others were repainted into CR's medium blue scheme- although there was considerable variation from unit to unit. This group of three former Reading GP7s feature a variety of detail and artwork differences and will be right at home running with rebuilt ALCOs and other geeps during early Conrail operations.
In 1949, EMD introduced the GP7. The basic design followed most diesel switchers with the addition of a short hood instead of an end-cab. The hoods were also full height to better accommodate the diesel engine and mechanical and electrical components.
In 1954 EMD upgraded the GP7 to become the 1,750 horsepower GP9. Externally, the first GP9s were virtually unchanged from the last GP7s. Later versions would include different louver arrangements and the last ones would come without the frame skirting. The GP9 was available with all of the fuel tank, steam generator, and dynamic brake options as the GP7, including âtorpedo tubeâ air tanks mounted on the roof.
Many railroads chose to rebuild their GP7s and GP9s for continued service. Often times, it was cheaper to do this rather than purchasing brand-new locomotives.