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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. 

 

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Last edited by Lee Willis
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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

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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

Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

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?

It should have true blast horn and bell.  G

I grew up around GG1's. I well remember when Amtrak ran theirs up and down the NE sector. These locomotives were loud and very intimidating. Once, when I was little, I had an encounter with one. When you are little, everything seems so big and large. Well, this GG1 was no exception. For some reason, I was scarred of it. It was so menacing looking. Like a monster with all these things sticking out from it. LOL

 

Anyway, I eventually grew out of my hate for the GG1 and now I think they are pretty cool, but don't ever ask me to get in front of one.....LOL

 

 

Pete

There seem to be three toy locomotives that are iconic and have staunch, and I mean staunch supporters - often fanatics, who love them and really defend them if anyone says anything aobut them or questions there legitimacy as the greatest locomotive that ever was.  They are: the GG1, the NYC Hudson, and the ATSF Warbonnet EMD F units.  All were not only outstanding locomotives in real life, but are iconic model trains we all grew up wanting.=.  

 

I was just never into the GG1 mostly because I didn't even know it existed.  Growing up in the western US (NM, WY, CO) I knew about the Hudsons, particularly the scale ones, because I had seen them in stores, but owning one of those was about as likely to happen as owning a 200-foot yacht, and I had friends with Lionel F3s although we couldn't afford Lionel and had to stick with Marx four and six driver locos.  But I don't think I ever heard of the GG1 until I was grown.  

 

This is the first I have had.  I had two GG1s from RMT on order, but I have no doubt when they will arrive, they are reduced size, and I bought them more on general principles to bash (with all those wheels there must be something fun you can do with a mine-GG1 chassis). 

Last edited by Lee Willis
Originally Posted by prrbill:

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

In my long ago youth, the only time I ever saw both pans up was in the winter with ice on the wires. The lead pan was used to knock the ice off so the rear could get power. Lot's of sparks!

 

There's an old black and white short film called "Wheels of Steel" on line. It shows some 'behind the scenes' shots of a GG-1 being sanded, fueled and watered (for the steam generator), and washed down before being sent out for service. A couple of nice 'from the cab' shots too.

 

 

Actually guys, I'm running it now with the pans off (see photo below).  They are neatly stored away in a box.  It looks cleaner and very pretty that way.  If anyone asks, I explain that this one has been modified to run on three-rail electric rails like many other electric locomotives and subway systems.  And guess what, it is running on three rails!

 

Strangely, given how unfamiliar I was with it, the GG1 ends up being featured much more often than any other locomotive, even the Veranda Turbine, in my fictional biography (nearly completely now) Veranda Turbine - A Life.  Not only is it in the title of her wartime comedy movie GG1-G.I., but I tell a tale of one modified to run in England during WWII, that features prominently in another of her great movies, The Third Rail.   I needed this particular Willaims model to take pictures off for a photo that will appear with that story. 

 

This loco sure is a jackrabbit though.  If I were going to run it much (still not sure) I'd take it apart and wire the motors in series.  Geez, it takes off like a skyrocket!

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Last edited by Lee Willis

Marty-n-Dave, I'm right there with you guys. Never viewed but one, and that was at the Penn Railroad Museum. It surely wowed me though. I loved these engines when I first saw them in the "Sears-Roebuck" Christmas Window Display in Louisville, Ky early 50's. Marty, you say you got to ride behind them as a kid, well that's something you can tell your grand kids about. I even liked the "Little Joe's" that the Milwaukee Road used thru the Cascades Range I believe it was. I think if you can afford one for your layout go the extra step, and put up the over head wiring, as well. That in itself, will drive you to add more big electrics.

Lee I totally agree with you on the Locomotive Standard, and that was the GG1, NYC "Hudson", and Santa Fe War Bonnet, which to me is/was the most beautiful streamlined passenger train I ever saw or rode. ..........................Brandy!

"It takes off like a rocket"?

Yea, the real ones liked to shatter couplers. Its prototypical

 

Innovation, operation, power, reliability, style... I always loved GG-1s, planned a spring break trip to see them, but the accelerated mothballing schedule put the dream to an end the next winter, I went to south Daytona Beach instead, and almost drowned in a rip tide. 20 people around, thigh high deep, and 10ft from shore out, well past the south pier in seconds. The GG-1 trip was very much on my mind as I felt for bubbles in the dark to point me to the surface. And on the 2 1/2 mile walk back to the room. And the ride home etc, etc. My girl said others scattered thinking a shark got me.

 I often thought more centered roof placement of P.graph, would have looked much better, but the twins were used to address damage issues from the beginning I think. 

 I like the 3rd rail idea, I use it myself to address my no catenary situation 

But I like pantographs. The mechanical nature, and the resemblance to a praying mantis is to much for me to resist.

 

A childhood memory suddenly crept up. Praying mantis will pretty much fly off, or stay put, and ride taking in the sights and sensation, if in a green Burlington gondola, or red Lehigh Valley hopper, but they don't like black Lehigh, or NYC ones! So no NYC, or black LV, if your shopping last minute for your pet mantis  

 

  

Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

 

This loco sure is a jackrabbit though.  If I were going to run it much (still not sure) I'd take it apart and wire the motors in series.  Geez, it takes off like a skyrocket!

I corrected 2 problems with my Williams GG1 by wiring in series:

1.  Jackrabbit speed

2.  Horn and bell would not activate until voltage was about 10 volts.  With a light load, speed is excessive at 10 volts.

 

Bob

Last edited by RRDOC

The taking off like a rocket thing is typical for a Williams engine. The're pretty fast. I'm planning to put Proto 2 in my Williams GG-1 so it runs better with my other engines, which are mostly MTH. At the train club, we run conventionally, often with 2 trains on a mainline at a time. If one is a williams and the other isn't, it's quite a challenge to keep them from rear-ending.  

 

It's a shame there will probably never be a running GG-1 again. Their design and the transformer oil etc used doesn't come near meeting environmental restrictions. There a quire a few in museums but no running GG-1s anymore.  

I ought to like this twice:

1. Cool GG-1. The one at Altoona used to be open so you could put on the cab. No, not "get in", put on...back then I was much thinner and still had to squeeze around the corner if I had a camera bag at my waist. Now, they'd have to call out Hulcher to pry me loose.

 

2. You almost have Veranda's bio done! (Plus it was a great excuse for the GG-1.) We were lucky enough to find a Baby Stumbles stand-in that went to the toy drive after a couple of pictures. You get an actual likable engine to play with 

(Baby Stumbles annoys people in a couple of the Christmas stories. I haven't seen a real toddler tantrum doll yet, but some toy company will do it, just wait...)

Im with ya Lee.

Never thought I would own a GG1 either. was working on trains for

a friend and he bought a box full of postwar Lionel. had a 2332 BLACK

GG1 in the mix, It was Beat!!!

Looked it up and in excellent condition it lists for $1000.

Before I started cleaning her up, asked my buddy what he was going to do with

it, he says if you can get it going, Ill list it for $100.00. I told him sold.

So I got her cleaned up and its heavy as all get out and pulls like a Bear!!!

Its got the weirdest sounding horn EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Last edited by Popi

I always thought the Williams GG-1 was the best for the money. For one thing, it is scale length. I believe that if you have pantographs (insect legs) you need catenary as for things to look right. If I ever have the space it would be great to model the Pensy in the fifties with all the big electric locos they had and the full length commuter trains. House of Duddy made catenary at one time...don't know if they are still in business.

The GG1 is my favorite non-steam engine. My dream loco, to buy, is a brass bicentennial version, that a Hobby Shop near my house, has for sale. 2 in college, 1 more in HS and I can't have a $1000 loco. I am hoping they are still available in 3 or 4 yrs, or else I will have one custom painted. That and a REALLY BIG steamer.

 

So why am I posting here? I just finished putting a PS2 upgrade in the Williams Bicentennial GG1.

To plug a sponsor,  I got it a a great price from Trainworld. I had stopped in at Trainland and seen it. Decided I would wait. A few months later, I changed my mind. I called them and the way I remember it, they didn't think they had it. I described where I had seen it, they took the time to look and now it is mine! A yearish later, it's running. It creeps along as well quietly and steadily! Sound is great. I just need to find a sound file with some more light control, if and when I put the interior in. 

That is a painting of an Army-Navy game in Phili. A yearly event. Probably more clean GGs on that day than any other, let alone being gathered.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Originally Posted by sinclair:

I love my K-Line 'short' GG1.  But then I grew up seeing pictures of them on my Grandpa's walls.  I think he was a big PRR fan.  This was one of them:

 

But with that said, I think it'd be cool to see you do some mods to it so that it looks like it shouldn't have the overhead wires and then you repaint in SF colors.

 When the mothballing was confirmed, the idea was kicked around in the Detroit newspapers, of buying a few GGs, and restringing some DT&I track that was once electrified by Henry Ford.   There was many more then, but there are still a few concrete catenary arches in place today.

Orange, it really looks like a caterpillar, or "worm".

gg1dti

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Originally Posted by Edstrains:

I always thought the Williams GG-1 was the best for the money. For one thing, it is scale length. I believe that if you have pantographs (insect legs) you need catenary as for things to look right. If I ever have the space it would be great to model the Pensy in the fifties with all the big electric locos they had and the full length commuter trains. House of Duddy made catenary at one time...don't know if they are still in business.


My Williams runs great, and creeps. No updates at present, but will upgrade to TMCC in the future. Was going to sell it, but no interest, so now it goes back onto the layout. Love it. I do wish the sound was more dynamic.

Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

Actually guys, I'm running it now with the pans off (see photo below).  They are neatly stored away in a box.  It looks cleaner and very pretty that way.  If anyone asks, I explain that this one has been modified to run on three-rail electric rails like many other electric locomotives and subway systems.  And guess what, it is running on three rails!

 

Strangely, given how unfamiliar I was with it, the GG1 ends up being featured much more often than any other locomotive, even the Veranda Turbine, in my fictional biography (nearly completely now) Veranda Turbine - A Life.  Not only is it in the title of her wartime comedy movie GG1-G.I., but I tell a tale of one modified to run in England during WWII, that features prominently in another of her great movies, The Third Rail.   I needed this particular Willaims model to take pictures off for a photo that will appear with that story. 

 

This loco sure is a jackrabbit though.  If I were going to run it much (still not sure) I'd take it apart and wire the motors in series.  Geez, it takes off like a skyrocket!

DSCN0927

You are aware that once the book comes out, GG1s will be scarce, and prices skyrocket.

Originally Posted by Len2:

Somehow "creeps along" and "GG-1" in the same sentence just doesn't seem right. The prototype didn't "creep" anywhere, it stepped out and blew hats off as it went by.

 

 

Len - Can't rgue that. Someday, I will bring it someplace, or have a spot where it can run appropriately, but on the Christmas layout, Silence is king. I'd model Submarines, if I could

Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Originally Posted by Marty R:

 I just need to find a sound file with some more light control, if and when I put the interior in. 

Look at the Premier models, they'll typically have more controls enabled.

 

Premier improved the speed, funny, the one I found had no separate marker or interior light control. Don't need the markers and the interior is always on, so I'm set

I bought three from Trainworld's blowout last year.  Truthfully, I wish I would've just bought all of them.  Why Williams put the lid on em, at least temporarily (?), especially the "scale" versions - is beyond me because they are virtually indestructible, pull better than anything else I own (and I own over 150 engines), and because of their highly-efficient can motors, I can lash up two or three together and my ZW only barely gets warm after a few hundred laps.  And yes, they are gorgeous models.  -Scott

hello guys and gals..........

 

I am thinking of buying a 1989 Lionel Amtrak GG1 passenger set #18303 and #19100 to 19106. How good is the quality assembly of the set, any problems? Any one have a set for sale ?  I rode on the Amtrak from San Diego to Los Angeles 1986. I know there was no GG1's in operations that time but I think it was a F40 locomotive pulling the train.

 

the woman who loves the S.F.5011,2678,2003,200

Tiffany

Last edited by Tiffany

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