Grand Trunk Western is among the paint schemes offered in the latest run of WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP9 diesel locomotives from Wm. K. Walthers Inc. Senior editor Cody Grivno takes a look at the sound and light features on the four-axle diesel and uses the road locomotive to work the interchange yard at Jones Island on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout.
In addition to Grand Trunk Western, the WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP9 is decorated for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (Phase I prototype in black-and-gray scheme); Nickel Plate Road (black and yellow); and Southern Pacific (“black widow” scheme in freight and passenger versions and gray-and-scarlet freight version). The models are based on a Phase II prototype unless noted. All paint schemes are offered in four road numbers (two each in direct current and Digital Command Control). An undecorated model is also available.
The Walthers HO scale GP9 features an injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, wire grab irons and lift rings, illuminated number boxes, and Proto-Max metal couplers. Railroad-specific details on the GTW model include a brass Nathan M3 air horn, Sinclair radio antenna, and etched-brass metal sunshades. In addition, the model has a working roof-mounted beacon; 2,000-gallon GTW-style fuel tank; and a Peacock-type handbrake. The Grand Trunk model is set up to run long-hood forward.
Direct-current models are priced at $219.98. Versions with a dual-mode ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder sell for $319.98.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email senior editor Cody Grivno at cgrivno@kalmbach.com for more information.
