Model Railroader – September 2019

September 2019 63

MORE Conducted by Dana Kawala

REVIEWS

& VIDEOS

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read more than 1,000 previously

published reviews and watch

more than 150 exclusive

product demo videos.

published in the April 1984 issue of
Mainline Modeler magazine.
I compared our sample to photos of
the full-size GP20 no. 970. The model
should have split battery-box access
doors with louvers under the cab on both
sides, and the number box/headlight
housing should have a flat top that tapers
into the rounded cab. The model is also
missing its rooftop air-intake housing
(Milwaukee Road used different types,
so refer to prototype photos). The first
78" tall hood door behind the cab should
be shorter to accommodate the housing.
In fairness, mass-producing shop
rebuilds is tricky, as there were often
many variations.
I separated the shell from the chassis
by removing the draft-gear boxes, fuel
tank, and two washer-head screws above
the air tanks. A flywheel-equipped
motor is seated in the center of the die-
cast metal chassis. Secured by two
screws, a metal weight spans the motor.
The main printed-circuit (PC) board is
screwed to the top of the weight, just
above the motor. The Digital Command
Control sound decoder sits atop the
PC board.

On the test track. Our review sample
is equipped with a dual-mode ESU
Sound & DCC decoder, which features
the same excellent sound quality but not
all the features of the firm’s LokSound
decoders. The various features are
outlined in a brochure included with
the model.
Adjustable features can be modified
using configuration variables (CVs). These
can be programmed via a DCC system
or Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI)
software. The ESU LokProgrammer
computer interface, sold separately, and

the related free software don’t support

ESU Sound & DCC decoders.

A list of supported programmable

CVs is included in the model’s printed

instruction sheet. Using our NCE

PowerCab, I changed the locomotive

address to the cab number and added

acceleration/deceleration momentum.

I again turned to our workshop

PowerCab system for the locomotive’s

DCC testing. At speed step 1, the loco-

motive crawled along at 1.3 scale mph.

At speed step 28, the model reached a

top speed of 67 scale mph.

The ESU decoder features typical

user-activated effects. Pressing F0 acti-

vates the directional light-emitting-

diode (LED) headlights. The bell and air

horn are activated with F1 and F2,

respectively. Diesel engine startup and

shutdown are controlled with F8. Other

effects include a coupler crash and com-

pressor. The CN&W sample also includes

a dynamic brake effect.

Function 9 triggers the Drive/Hold

effect. When engaged, the Geep remains

at the set speed. I then used the throttle

knob to manually notch the engine rpm

up or down. Pressing F9 again returns

the speed to the throttle setting.

The model has a drawbar pull of 4.3

ounces, which is equivalent to 60 HO

scale freight cars on straight and level

track. I took the Geep to our staff layout,

the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy, for fur-

ther testing. The road switcher ran well,

navigating the various turnouts and

crossings without incident in both direc-

tions. The model was able to pull 10

50-foot boxcars up a winding 3 percent

grade without stalling. The model’s back-

electromotive-force control also kept its

speed constant both ascending and

descending the grade.

For DC testing I ran the model with a

Bachmann power pack. The lights and

sounds came on at 6.5V. The locomotive

started moving smoothly at 2.5 scale

mph at 8V and accelerated to a top speed

of 60 scale mph at 12V.

Chop-nose GP9s continue to earn their

keep on shortline and regional railroads

and at various industries. As a fan of

these units, I’m thrilled that Walthers

has added this HO scale model to its

Mainline product lineup. – Cody Grivno,

Group Technical Editor

Facts & features

Price: Direct current, $139.98; with ESU

sound and Digital Command Control,

$199.98

Manufacturer

Wm. K. Walthers Inc.

5601 W. Florist Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53218

http://www.walthers.com

Era: September 1972 to February 1985 (as

decorated)

Road names: Milwaukee Road, Burling-

ton Northern, Canadian Pacific, Chicago &

North Western, Norfolk Southern, and

Wisconsin & Southern. Four road numbers

per scheme; also available undecorated

(DC only).

Features

• Molded drill starter points for grab irons
  and lift rings (detail kit no. 910-258
  sold separately)


• Proto-Max couplers, at correct height


• Ratchet-style handbrake


• Rolled-style handrails


• Weight: 13.2 ounces


• With or without dynamic brakes

PERFORMANCE CHARTS

DRAWBAR

PULL

4.3 ounces

60 HO freight cars

SCALE SPEED (DC)

VOLTS SCALE MPH

8 (start) 2.5

911

10 25

11 41

12 60

SCALE SPEED (DCC)

SPEED STEP SCALE MPH

1 1.3

713

14 34

21 58

28 67

The layout of the components under the shell is pretty typical, with the printed-
circuit board and decoder located above the motor and flywheel. The chop-nose
GP9 is equipped with light-emitting-diode headlights.

Main printed-circuit board

LED

Decoder LED

Flywheel Motor