Bachmann GP7

[NorsemanJack]

I finally googled the subject unit, and found some photos.  Regardless of running characteristics, they certainly look much better than the "classic" bachmann offerings.

[Mark5]

I finally googled the subject unit, and found some photos.  Regardless of running characteristics, they certainly look much better than the "classic" bachmann offerings.

Oh yeah, definately! These are light years ahead of stuff they put out even 5 years ago. ;D

Mark

[SkipGear]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the slow speed performance on any of the new Bachmann loco's mentioned except.......

The factory decoders have Vmin set to 3. If you change the Vmin to 0, the loco's will move impreceptibly at speed step one on DCC or by bringing up the throttle slowly on DC. The changes you make in DCC, also react on DC.

If you plan on running them on a DC layout, find a buddy or a shop with a DCC system and set Vmin=0 or even 1 and you will notice a huge difference in performance.

[Mark5]

The factory decoders have Vmin set to 3. If you change the Vmin to 0, the loco's will move impreceptibly at speed step one on DCC or by bringing up the throttle slowly on DC. The changes you make in DCC, also react on DC.

Cool, will give this concept a whirl next time I'm at my guinea pig's place.

[unittrain]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the slow speed performance on any of the new Bachmann loco's mentioned except.......

The factory decoders have Vmin set to 3. If you change the Vmin to 0, the loco's will move impreceptibly at speed step one on DCC or by bringing up the throttle slowly on DC. The changes you make in DCC, also react on DC.

If you plan on running them on a DC layout, find a buddy or a shop with a DCC system and set Vmin=0 or even 1 and you will notice a huge difference in performance.

I'll try this out! this is good news as I need to have them lashed up with my atlas and kato units. 

[christoph]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the slow speed performance on any of the new Bachmann loco's mentioned except.......

The factory decoders have Vmin set to 3. If you change the Vmin to 0, the loco's will move impreceptibly at speed step one on DCC or by bringing up the throttle slowly on DC. The changes you make in DCC, also react on DC.

If you plan on running them on a DC layout, find a buddy or a shop with a DCC system and set Vmin=0 or even 1 and you will notice a huge difference in performance.

This might be another argument to get a DCC system at least as an option     :
I would just use it as the alternative throttle, and probably get addicted soon.  Computer interface is a must.

[sirenwerks]

Has it been decided which phase of GP7 this model is, as Bremner asked earlier and received no conclusive answer to?

[Mark5]

Ok, I dug up this post from Robbman (whom I respect), perhaps someone can match the Bachmann model up:

EMD GP7 phases, simplified (GMDD built locomotives in another dimension):

Phase I: 10/1949 to ~ 11/1950, no box behind the cab on the walkway, no dynamics (not even an option).


Phase IIa: 06/1950 to 02/1952, box behind the cab on the walkway (more complex electrical cabinet). Built concurrently with Ph 1s from 06/1950 to late 1950, madde the standard model afterwards, with dynamics an option.

Phase IIb: 03/1952, solid side skirts replaced with slotted skirts on models not equipped with standard 800g tank.

Phase IIc: 06/1952, sloped pilot plates repalced with MU receptacle boxes

Phase IId: 10/1952, 36" dynamic fan replaced with 48" fan (dynamic grid upped from 540 amp to 700 amp)


Phase III 02/1953, 81" tall engine room doors, batten straps on dynamics terminate at the doors ,non-dynamic have no batten straps

Phase IV 04/1954... debatable as to a phase... basically a Phase 1a GP9 rated at 1500hp... only ordered by Missouri Pacific.

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=45715&whichpage=2

[Chris333]

They just reveiwed the HO one in MR. I thought it was a mix of 2 phases.

[Bremner]

I was hoping that it was a Phase IV...the SP had GP9's

[sirenwerks]

They just reveiwed the HO one in MR. I thought it was a mix of 2 phases.

Which two? And what from each phase?

[Chris333]

well I was just going off a quick read on the crapper...

It was their HO GP9 in the review, it is a phase2. The handrails are phase1. Also openings on the sill were just painted on.

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Hi Folks,

I bought one of the first from BLW and have had it in may cabinet since then. Last weekend I took it to a train show on the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia and gave it to a mate of mine to run. He ran it straight out of the box at scale speed on factory settings for the whole two days and it crept along with a reasonable 15 car train. Performance report was that it ran flawlessly with minimum noise and through the range of DCC operations like, light direction, off, on and dimmed. Twas a great sight to see but I do need to train these guys that the long hood is the front. I have not studied the model enough yet to say if it is a Phase 1 or Phase 2 unit. When I buy the next one I will also buy a spare dynamic brake unit and convert the model.

Regards

Al Cutmore
Slobbering Pennsy Sharknose Freak
Australia

[wm3798]

Can someone post a photo of this thing?
Lee

[Mark5]

Can someone post a photo of this thing?
Lee

Some here:

http://therailwire.net/forum/index.php/topic,22940.0.html

Mark