However, let's get started with other things. The locomotive above is a Bachmann GP7 painted in Chessie System scheme, number 5606 (B&O). It was about $55 through Micro Mark. This is probably the part where someone says "Bachmann is crap/not worth the money/something negative." However, having ran this locomotive over half a mile (in 1:1 scale), I have to disagree. The locomotive comes equipped with an NMRA compiant DCC decoder. There is room in the fuel tank for a 28mm speaker. The motor is exceptionally quiet and causes very little vibration when moving. It has a reasonable drawbar pull and can do almost anything that other "better" locomotives can. There are a few downsides though. It needs a little speed to get through turnouts despite both the wheels and turnouts being in gauge. If it is moving too slowly it hits the points and frogs and noticably slows or stops. Grades are not as bad as turnout problems. There are no nose or back end grab irons, and no guide bumps for them. However, there is rumor a company does make the template for it. I'm not sure who but that is what Google is for. Overall, with a good weathing job and a few extra details this will be a good looking and respectable locomotive. I threw on some MU hoses from Details West, and did a quick job on the truck sideframes. I sprayed them with Model Master Dark Tan then dry brushed them with grimy black. Once it is done I will be more than pleased with the locomotive.
There is going to be some further weathering. I am not sure how I will do it or how heavily. I am also looking into a way to put figures into the cab as that would be a neat detail at train shows and when the club has visitors. I hope to eventually have another one to pair up with this one to be able to perform more prototypical operations.
As always, I am open for comments, questions, and suggestions. Until next time.
