Walthers Trainline GP9M?

[Zephyr]

I have been reading a book on Rock Island in the early diesel era and that got me to thinking: it might be cool to model a GP7 or GP9 with a chop nose, which could survive into the modern day and be used for switching purposes. I looked around for a model and found a cheapie:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/931-128

But before I take the plunge, does anyone know anything about Walthers Trainline GP9M locomotives, or about Walthers Trainline in general? I had a B40-8W that I bought about 10 years ago but was not too impressed with it. But I figure that if I buy this, I would add a ton of details it could look really nice. My main concern is how easy it would be to add DCC?

I did a little searching and found a Walthers Trainline GP9M that someone detailed, and it turned out fairly nice:
http://www.railroadforum.com/forum/p...50&FORUM_ID=14



Thanks for any help you can offer!

[jbaakko]

It's ok, but I think you'll be disappointed with the wide body. I'd say buy a P2K & chop it, or a Front Range:
http://ppw-aline.com/bdfrgp7.htm

[Alcomotive]

I purchased one 3 years ago for my son in a set. Now it does some switching duties with an installed digitraxx decoder. I have yet to get around to detailing it and such. Not real heavy haulers good for moderate switching duties and stuff. I do not run it in a consist at all.

By the way that is nice work on that WC model, very nice who ever did it sure did a bang up job on it!

[Zephyr]

Thanks Josh and Alcomotive! I thought about going with the P2K and chopping it myself; the thing holding me back is the complexity of that kind of project and the fact that I probably don't want to spend too much money on a little switcher. But I am always up for a challenge and the detail parts would run a little high anyway.

Alcomotive - how hard was it to install a digitraxx decoder? Could you use a plug decoder (like an 8-pin DH163P), or was there more to it?

[jbaakko]

Complex, if you buy the Walther's you'll still want to get rid of the fugly single window, so you're back to where you started. The Nose chop is easy, adding the windows and number boards semi-complex, that would be the toughest.

[Zephyr]

I kind of like the single window - it's a little kitschy but that would make it unique among my other yard power. I was thinking the windows and numberboards would be the hardest if I went with the option of chopping the nose myself.

My main consideration at this point is how easy would it be to install a digitraxx decoder in the Walthers Trainline engine?

[HaggisKennedy]

I have a 9M in ARR. Was my first DCC conversion. It was the easiest conversion I've ever done. There's very little weight inside so there's plenty of space.

I used a DH121, the motor was already isolated, I taped it under the rear weight, which is just a bar between the back of the motor and the rear chassis.

The only add-on was to change the light bulb to a 12v model. I think it took 15min, if that. It was as simple and straighforward you could possibly get.

Kennedy

[Zephyr]

Thanks for your help, Kennedy! That gives me more confidence, so I am going to go ahead with the project. Stay tuned for photos of my GP9!

[Alcomotive]

Yep DH121 is the one I used as well. There is plenty of room. I actually added 3 ounces of weight in the unit as well for more tractive effort. I will try and post a pic tonight when I get home....

[Mr. SP]

The Walthers GP-9m is a widebody ala Athearn GP-7. The two I have run quite well and pull good. I have pulled a twenty car train with one of them. They run fairly quiet. I replaced the funky oversize handrails with Athearn GP-9 sets which improved the appearance. Couplers were changed to Kadee's.
I like the big windshield as well. Adding some details and painting it Rock Blue would give you an interesting locomotive.