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MTH Electric Trains GG-1
1:32-scale locomotive
By Gary Raymond
Published: Saturday, April 25, 2009
 MTH Electric Trains GG-1Photo by Gary Raymond
Vital statistics
1:32 scale, gauge 1, ready-to-run GG-1 locomotive
MTH Trains
7020 Colombia Gateway Drive
Columbia MD 21046
Price: $799.95
Web site: www.mthtrains.com
Diecast-metal and polycarbonate model of GG-1 electric locomotive; modular electrical connections; two, two-axle power trucks; one motor per truck; directional front and rear headlights, lighted number boards, interior cab lighting, and details; operating smoke unit; sound system; metal grab rungs and lift rings; operating knuckle couplers; accurate prototypical graphics and road numbers. Dimensions: Overall length (with JME or Kadee couplers), 30¾"; width, 4", height (pantograph collapsed), 57/8"; height (pantograph extended) 815/16". In 1:32 scale, this works out to 82'10" (discrepancy in length from prototype is the result of coupler choice, not body accuracy) x 10'9" x 15'8" (collapsed), 23'10" (extended), respectively
Pros: Correct scale for gauge-1 track; very good detail; rugged construction; good puller; JME and Kadee coupler compatible; directional lighting; good sound and smoke units
Cons: Rubber tires on two axles; semi-scale wheelsets not available; oversize couplers; unsightly track pickup shoes |
.jpg&w=200) Photo by Gary Raymond Photo by Marc Horovitz Photo by Marc Horovitz Photo by Marc Horovitz
MTH's model is an excellent puller, thanks to the two motors powering four axles, adequate weight, and rubber tires on two axles. I think most customers would be happier without the rubber tires, as the hauling capacity would still be adequate. Eliminating the rubber tires, thus adding more pickup points, could also eliminate the need for the unsightly pickup shoes.
At the time of testing, our review sample had about one hour of running time. Sound came on at 7.7V and 0.14 amps. Lights came on at 7.9V and 0.5 amps. Minimum scale speed without stall or hesitation was an amazing 1.4 smph at about 10.4V and 0.7 amps. Scale speed at 24V and 2.5 amps was approximately 80 smph.
On level track, the drawbar capacity was 72 ounces, or about 58 average freight cars at approximately 3 amps. For a single engine, this is impressive.
The model can be run on regular DC track power but it also has MTH's proprietary DCS decoder system built in. This is similar to, but not compatible with, DCC. The DCS system requires that positive voltage is always on the right, forward facing rail. The GG-1 has a polarity switch in the roof recess to take care of that, or to match it with another engine's polarity. The best solution for track-polarity issues of course would be an on-board R/C battery version of DCS. I hope MTH will offer this in the future.
The sound system is designed to provide full functions on AC voltage (the horn is only accessible with MTH's DCS system or another AC trigger, such as the Lionel GP-7's horn button), however it does provide sound when the engine is sitting still but with power applied, and a rev-up once the engine is moving. In addition, during idle, cab chatter can be heard intermittently. The sound level of the voices was too loud and distorted.
The model has directional lighting, including headlights, red and green classification lights, cabin lights, and number-board lights. The cabin lights are oversized and too bright.
A removable roof panel hides sound-volume and smoke-intensity controls plus track-pickup polarity and pantograph switches. It's the panel without the smoke stack, and can be pried up with a fingernail, although it's a tight fit. Pantographs can be set for manual or automatic mode. In auto mode they automatically raise and lower as the engine's direction is reversed. This was probably my favorite feature of this model and was really fun to watch. The model can even be powered through the pantographs via an overhead catenary system.
The other really useful and related feature was the auto braking. MTH has designed a circuit that automatically slows the engine to a stop before reversing if the direction switch is thrown while at speed. It works flawlessly, even at full speed, and has a brake-squeal sound effect. This feature protects the motors and gears from accidental abuse. Out of the box, the GG-1 is supplied with MTH's operating couplers (LGB-type hook-and-loop couplers are also included).
The MTH couplers are oversize (the same size as 1:29-scale products) and can only be remotely operated with the DCS system. I feel that MTH should switch to Kadee-type or scale couplers. As the model is designed, the operating couplers' wires must be cut to switch to correct-size couplers, rendering that feature unusable. There are mounting holes for JME or Kadee (#920 or #820) 1:32-scale couplers, which mount to the pilots. The model will negotiate 4'-radius curves with the Kadees. The engine looks much better with Kadee couplers but even they stick out too far from the ends. It appears they could be moved back into the body to the correct position with minor surgery. This would result in the overall length being correct.
The GG-1 is provided with coarse-scale (deep flange) wheels for code-332 rail. However, it will also run on all code 197, 215, and 250 track (except Märklin's). If MTH would offer replacement wheelsets with semi-scale flanges that would match 1:32-scale brass engines, the locomotive would look better on the finer-scale track available. Even with the deep-flange wheelsets, the GG-1 runs reliably through trackwork. This is because MTH uses a narrower flange and spaces their wheelsets to the back-to-back dimension of 1.575" (40mm).
The MTH model is impressively designed concerning internal access. Extensive use of mini plugs inside the body allow easy disconnection of the motor blocks, smoke unit, sound system, and cabin lights for servicing. The smoke unit worked fine and puffs occasionally as it simulates the on board steam generator used for passenger service.
The overall appearance of the model is impressive and captures well the feel of the full-size engine. MTH has done their homework with respect to the model's paint colors and overall graphics. The numbers MTH chose are also correct for these engines. One negative note; the Pennsylvania heralds on both sides of my sample were slightly crooked and the registration of the stripes near the nose could have been better. Windshield wipers were omitted and the windows are a bit too thick. However, nice touches include the intricate, exactly scaled cut levers and the working drop step on each end. The drop-step-mechanism parts all seemed exactly to size and gave the feel of an expensive, finescale brass model. There is a wonderful contrast between these small detail parts and the massive body.
Overall, the MTH GG-1 is a very good model of a classic locomotive. Although the GG-1 was an east-coast engine, I think it's a "must have" for any railroad fan because of its stylish appearance and unique place in railroad history. |
ABOUT THIS ARTICLEAppeared in: June, 2009 issue of Garden Railways MagazineView the Table of Contents of the June 2009 Issue
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