Good morning JHZ563 and Happy SWSAT. PPL 2102 is a nice-looking switcher...
My model of Boston & Maine GP-7 #1563 was made by MTH Premier (20-2211-1). It appeared in the 1999 Volume 3 Catalog at an MSRP of $299.95 and was delivered in December 1999. This was one of the first B&M locomotive models that I purchased – at just about the time I got my 12’-by-8’ layout up and running – and it has been one of my favorites ever since, although it’s not quite as detailed as current MTH GP-7s and GP-9s. I used to run it often but in recent years it’s been run less frequently because I now have newer B&M models.
I hadn’t run #1563, a PS1 model, for at least two years – maybe longer – and its 9-volt NiMH battery was probably ten years old, so I needed to install a BCR before running it again. Aside from removing the shell, extracting the battery required loosening the internal electronic components which are secured by four small screws from the underside of the metal chassis. I prefer not to disturb locomotive electronics but it couldn’t be avoided in this case. With the BCR, the sounds began when approximately 6 volts were applied to the track. It was a little sluggish starting to move, but a slight push and it was off and running. It loosened-up quickly and ran well at low speeds. I find MTH models with PS1 to be very durable and trouble-free.
Boston & Maine #1563 was built in February 1952, one of the second group of GP-7s (#1563 to #1571) purchased by the railroad. It had 1500 horsepower and was set up to run short hood forward. B&M GP-7s did not have dynamic brakes but they did have an extended compartment at the rear of the long hood that housed train lighting equipment for commuter service. The generic MTH B&M GP-7 model incorrectly includes dynamic brake blisters atop the long hood but doesn’t have the extended electrical compartment. B&M #1563 also had a steam generator within the short hood for train heating. This is represented on the MTH model by the steam generator stack atop the short hood.
As Budd RDC Railcars replaced diesel locomotives in commuter service on the B&M, MU equipment was added to #1563 and it was transferred to freight service. So, this model of a medium-sized diesel locomotive is a good fit for passenger or freight trains on my 10’-by-5’ single-track New England branch line model railroad.
General Motors Electro-Motive Division produced 2,729 GP-7s between October 1949 and May 1954. They were powered by an EMD 567B V16 2-stroke diesel engine that ran between 275 and 800 RPM. Their weight was 246,000 pounds and maximum speed was 65 miles-per-hour. Continuous tractive effort was 40,000 pounds at 9.3 miles-per-hour and 65,000 pounds for starting. The B&M had 23 GP-7s.
MELGAR
