A new run of the WalthersMainline HO scale EMD GP9 was recently released. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the Electro-Motive Division road switcher and Central Vermont No. 4445; highlights the detail parts on the ready-to-run model; and demonstrates some of the sound and light functions on the locomotive, which features ESU Sound & DCC. Then he uses the GP9 to switch cars on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch project layout.
Road names on the WalthersMainline HO scale EMD GP9 include Central Vermont (green and yellow), Chesapeake & Ohio (blue and yellow), Denver & Rio Grande Western (black and orange with large “Flying Grade” lettering), Illinois Central (black and white), Louisville & Nashville (gray and yellow), Soo Line (maroon and gold), Southern Pacific (“black widow” scheme), and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray). The road switcher is offered in two to four road numbers per scheme.
The HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP9 has an injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, and a five-pole skew-wound motor. Additional features include see-through steps; molded drill starter points for grab irons in the GP9 Phase II diesel detail kit (No. 910-258, sold separately); constant, directional light-emitting-diode lighting; RP-25 contour metal wheels; all-wheel drive and electrical pickup; helical-cut gears; and Proto-Max metal couplers.
Direct-current models with a 21-pin DCC plug and factory-installed 28mm round speaker retail for $159.98. Versions with ESU DCC & Sound are priced at $214.98.
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 cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
