Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno takes a closer look at the WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP7. Cody first explores the prototype history of the GP7, noting that Electro-Motive Division produced over 2,700 units between October 1949 and May 1954.
The review sample is decorated as Chicago, Burlington & Quincy No. 204, built in September 1951. The model boasts impressive details like body-mounted Proto-Max metal knuckle couplers, see-through footboards, and factory-installed plastic MU hoses. The short hood features an early Pyle dual sealed-beam headlight and an operating Gyralite upper headlight, which works in DCC.
Equipped with an ESU Loksound V5 sound decoder, the sample showcases sound and light functions, including the diesel engine startup, bell, air horn, and emergency stop signal. The Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., GP7 is also available in paint schemes like Santa Fe, Northern Pacific, and Wabash. DC models with a speaker are priced at $219.98, and DCC/sound versions sell for $319.98
