Skip to main content

I'm not into PRR and I don't really like electric locos with pantographs (the make the loco look too much like an insect).  But I needed to take a some photos of a GG1, etc., on my layout, for my Veranda Turbine book.  Hence this pretty (at least without the insect antenna) scale Williams GG1, which John Will (Gunrunnerjohn) sold to me.  He bought it used so I am at least the third owner.  Loewy' shape ande stripes are exceptionall attractive - especially with the insect antenna removed. 

 

DSCN0916

Attachments

Images (1)
  • DSCN0916
Last edited by Lee Willis
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

The G is a unique and handsome brute in almost any road name but that one is especially beautiful Lee!

 

We have the true black 5 stripe version that I used to run with a JLC Tuscan model. They are extra-special when paired.

 

Does it have any enhancements like TMCC/DCS?

Last edited by c.sam

Many of us think the GG-1 is a beautiful art deco engine.  I think that its streamlining is equal to or better than any contemporary diesel or electric.

 

I remember riding behind GG-1s many times as a kid.  It looked good with any train it was pulling including freights.  Even PC black couldn't destroy its classic lines.  

 

I believe that the reason the GG-1 is a popular with modelers as the SF War Bonnet F units is that both are true classics.  

 

Joe 

Originally Posted by brwebster:

Nice addition, Lee.  Did GRJ install TMCC in it?

 

BTW, as a member of the GG1 admirers club we forgive you just this once for running with both pantographs up...but just this one! 

 

Bruce

 

 

Maybe he's breaking ice off the wires, the one time they'd both be up.

 

 

Last edited by Len2

I put them on just to see if they are working.  Nice how the little springs work to keep them up.  I will normally run it with the off, or down at least.  

 

Len2 - Gunrunner was going to put TMCC in it but got a JLC instead.  I'm not sure what I will do with it.  I just need it for some pictures.  It is a beatufiul loco though, I must admit, the stayling is to die for.  Gorgeous.  And big!

Lee, be kind do us G motor fans.  Having been behind many in my earlier life, they were great.  Your Williams is a very good model.  I am sure John tricked it out.  The Williams G will run on 0-42.  I have many converted to DCS and several that will be at some time. 

 

I was at the last run of the GG-1 and saw many a grown man with tears in his eyes.

 

I grew up living in Pennsylvania as a kid and would spend hours trackside watching the GG-1 fly by at very high speed.  Those days are what made me want operating catenary on a model layout.

Last edited by Marty Fitzhenry

For  the longest time I CRAVED a semi-scale Lionel GG1.  Until I purchased my first of many scale MTH and Lionel GG1s. Now I keep the semi-scale in a glass case.

 

The MTH ones run easier on 072 or a bit less than the Lionel because of the front and rear trucks that are free wheeling on the MTH and take weight on the Lionel.

 

Additionally the scale GG1s look better with the 18" or 21" passenger cars. 

Last edited by AlanRail

Beautiful engine, excellent runner and very prototypical. Should look great on the layout and even better with an overhead gantry line. I am trying to decide how I will set up an overhead gantry line. MTH offers one but I've never seen a picture of it set up. I would think that many modelers scratch build their gantry systems. If I am not mistaken GG1 locos ran exclusively by the PRR on the Boston to Washington run and also from NYC to Harrisburg in both freight and passenger utility.

Dennis, back in the days when the G ran, catenary stopped at New Haven. It did not go into Boston.   As a kid I always dreamed of catenary to Boston so I could see a G pull into South Station.   Today many loco railfans take commuter rail to the station to watch the Acela.  It is not uncommon to see three or fout Acela trains in the station at the same time. 

 

The Harrisburg trains came out of Philly.

Last edited by Marty Fitzhenry

Jerry, I have actually thought of that.  One of the perks of being a toy train guy.  About a year ago, some forum member had one done in Northern Pacific.  It was beautiful.

 

Bobby, I recently had a guy with an Acela run pans up into his tunnel and it cleaned everything off the locomotive.  If anyone runs like this they should put a skid for the pan under the opening.

Last edited by Marty Fitzhenry

Lee, I have the same engine I picked up in trade.  The PW GG-1 just draws too much power.  I am going to install Legacy and Legacy cruise, add remote couplers and even contemplating smoke.  Will add directional LED markers instead of the light bar.  I am actually working on it now while some repairs are in route.  Plenty of room.  Will figure out the sound later, though I am ok with the true blast.  I will keep you posted.  G

Attachments

Images (2)
  • IMG_0443
  • IMG_0444

Lee,

 

If you're running with the 'Pans' up for power, use the rear one only.  The reasoning was that if you used the front one and hit an obstruction causing dislocation or

dismemberment of that front 'Pan', it could go into the rear 'Pan' causing damage which wouldd leave the motor (GG1) totaly without power. Of course, rules are made to be broken so there is photographic evidence that the rulebook wasn't always followed.

 

Besides their Art Deco styling, these motors were extremely robust (i.e. pulling 18 heavyweight coaches at 100mph for as long as needed between NYC & Wash D.C.) and enjoyed a long life (1935-1981).   

 

Happy Holidays,

Bill Morlitz

Last edited by prrbill

Lee, get on "You Tube", and search for the last run of "Big Red". If you haven't seen it, it's truly worth watching. It 's 4 part video of the last GG1 That New Jersey Transit got from Penn Central or Conrail. They did a 5 stripe Tuscan paint job for it's last run into the history books, and man did it perform 100+mph with about 11 cars in tow.

You get a very good cab ride with the old engineer telling about his history with the Pennsylvania thru to finishing with the NJT..........................................Brandy!

The GG1 is cool.  Like I said, I don't really like pantograph locos, but the engineer in my appreciates a fantastic loco design, and the styling is superb.  It appears multiple times in a fiction book I'm writing now.  

 

I ran the model some today - minus the pantographs.  It is a big, very impressive model.  This one has really good, glistening paint and graphics.  Quite nice.  

 

What did they sound like? This Williams model has no sound, of course, but then, probably that is pretty close to accurate.  i drive a Chevy volt most days because, being electric, it makes no sound at all.  I suppose the GG1 was fairly quiet?

Last edited by Lee Willis

Lee,

    Anybody referring to the Gold Standard of Electric PRR Engines as insect like, I have to disagree with, no matter how much I like the guy.  Hay anytime you want to give that PRR GG-1 beauty away, you box her up and send her to me, I will pay the postage.  If you have ever seen one of these incredible GG-1 engines in real life they are anything but insect looking, that is for darn sure.  You got to be a flat lander to be talking about the greatest Electric PRR Engine ever built, and actually saying it looks like any kind of insect.   The little boy pressed up against the window looking at the PRR GG-1, man that was me in real life, looking at the coolest engine ever built, so big it took up half a railroad station platform.  Never ever question the Engineers Judgment, and man I am an engineer.   Insect looking!  What boat did this guy get off of!

No offense Lee but the PRR GG-1 is the greatest Railroad Engine ever built.

PCRR/Dave

 

 

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

 

 

What did they sound like? This Williams model has no sound, of course, but then, probably that is pretty close to accurate.  i drive a Chevy volt most days because, being electric, it makes no sound at all.  I suppose the GG1 was fairly quiet?

Imagine a turbocharged can opener, Lee.

 

Seriously though, I can't recall what my PS1 GG1 sounds like...it's been mothballed for some time awaiting ERR upgrades. 

 

Bruce

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×