Hello Colin & welcome to the world of S! Glad you are here. Please see my replies below . . .
--- In [email protected], "Colin Stewart" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >SNIP > > 1. Will the AM GP9 and for that matter the SHS SW1 be fine with NCE > SR13 HO decoders? I will only have a small switching layout so will > never be pulling long or large trains? --->IMO, the SR13 should work well for the AM GP9. I presume that you have purchased one of the "late model" AM units. The electric motors used in this model (which has been around for a long time) have changed at least once and I am not sure the older (original) motor is well suited for DCC operation. The new motors operate within the amperage limits of the SR13. In fact I intend to power my GP9s with this decoder until the diesel Tsunamis arrive. > 2. How accurate a model is the AM GP9? Is there anything that needs > to be corrected. I see Ron at Des Plaines has some parts for these > locos including stanchions. I would like my loco to become a phase 1 > GP9 in SOO maroon and gold (unit 2400) and I notice Ron also has « decals for these locos too. --->In addition to the parts carried by Des Plaines Hobbies (DPH), Bill's Train Shop (BTS) also carries a large supply of detail parts that can be used for the GP9. Also, many members of this list have a stash of parts no longer made that may fit the bill. I found by asking on this list, I was able to purchase or obtain the oddball parts needed for a project from listmembers. --->IMO, the AM GP9 is a very good generic model out of the box, and an excellent model for a kitbash. Simply replacing the cast on molded fans with S-Helper fans (yes, they sell parts too), the cast on molded side grills with DPH¡¦s grills, and using DPH stanchions with brass or phosphor rod for handrails significantly improve the look of the locos. --->Though I am not familiar the Soo, I am quite confident that through our great parts suppliers and the stuff squirreled away by the members of our list, you will be able to obtain the parts you need to "Soo-ize" a GP9 to your tastes. To get an idea of what can be done to these locos, please see my pictures in the photo section of the list: <http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/S- Scale/photos/browse/dc05> If the link breaks, go to John Gibson Photos in the Photo Section. > 3. Is the AM FP7 accurate,I bought a body shell last night to > repaint another SOO unit. Are chassis for the FP7 available or would > I be better cheaper buying a complete loco and swapping the shells? --->Sorry, I can't help here, but I am sure one of our knowledgeable list members can answer the question. --->Please keep us posted on your progress -- share photos <G>. Good luck! John Gibson Rocklin, CA USA Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
