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Post by dave on Apr 28, 2021 12:06:05 GMT -5
Good afternoon,
I have been wanting to acquire a Micro-Trains GP9 in the Central Vermont paint scheme. I have managed to locate a new one but my question is how do these locos run? What are any good or bad characteristics you have seen with them in the past. I don't know when the MTL GP9s were released but I would guess close to 20 years ago. Also, what kind of ongoing maintenance will this loco require? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2021 14:05:51 GMT -5
I have a GP9 since about 3 years ago ; in fact it was a red US ARMY GP35, bought at Marsilius, and I swapped the shell to get a NH GP9 (shell from Z Scale Monster, now sold out). The only issue that I had was that the wheels were too "wide" and this lifted the loco on Rokuhan turnouts in deviant position (both edges of the moving part are straight) ; thanks to Mr. Marsilius who modified them for me ...
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Post by markm on Apr 28, 2021 16:13:37 GMT -5
MTL's GP locomotives were released between 2005 and 2011. The design is probably 20 years old. The AZL GP locomotives are of similar design, but take advantage to newer technologies.
I've been running a number of them since they first came out and have been satisfied. They run well and are low maintenance. Although wheel gauge issues such as Alberich reports are not uncommon with metal wheels, I had not experience that problem. Spare parts seem to still be available through MTL if you ask nicely.
There was a change to the frame during the production run. This is not an issue running DC, but requires a bit of attention if you want to run DCC using one of the drop-in boards. Drop-in boards have been produced by Digitrax and TCS, although TCS has discontinued their board.
The hood dimensions are a little larger than scale, but for me not particularly noticable unless you run them next to an AZL GP.
Also the lighting board makes electrical contact through small springs that are very easy to lose and last time I checked unavailable.
Mark
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Post by domi on May 5, 2021 10:05:17 GMT -5
Also the lighting board makes electrical contact through small springs that are very easy to lose and last time I checked unavailable. Mark I do confirm. One has to be very cautious when removing these small springs. The best way not to loose them on removal is taking them off motor connexion with a small jeweller screwdriver and putting one finger on their upper part, on the PCB.  Dom |
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Post by zscalehobo on May 6, 2021 13:41:04 GMT -5
UPDATE: After reading this conversation, I contacted MTL about springs availability. They just replied 5 minutes ago "GPs and SD40s all use the same spring ... how many do you need?"
it seems they are still available.
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Post by sjl on May 6, 2021 14:12:21 GMT -5
UPDATE: After reading this conversation, I contacted MTL about springs availability. They just replied 5 minutes ago "GPs and SD40s all use the same spring ... how many do you need?" it seems they are still available. How about GP35s? I'm in need of a spring for one... |
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Post by zscalehobo on May 6, 2021 14:47:16 GMT -5
Geeps aka GPs ... A GP35 is a Geep. A GP9 is a Geep.
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Post by domi on May 6, 2021 15:12:04 GMT -5
True.  Indeed MTL 2nd generation GP9s and GP35s share the same chassis.. Dom |
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Post by sjl on May 6, 2021 15:23:13 GMT -5
OK wise guys, with your careful reading and all, how does one buy one of these magic springs? I don't see them on the MTL web page.
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Post by markm on May 6, 2021 15:57:15 GMT -5
OK wise guys, with your careful reading and all, how does one buy one of these magic springs? I don't see them on the MTL web page. Like most spare parts from MTL you contact customer service: mtl@micro-trains.com |
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Post by zscalehobo on May 6, 2021 16:12:20 GMT -5
OK wise guys, with your careful reading and all, how does one buy one of these magic springs? I don't see them on the MTL web page. Sounds like you're in a hurry so yeah MTL. I ordered a bunch and will add them to my site ... Someday soon |
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Post by Curn on May 6, 2021 16:13:15 GMT -5
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Post by zscalehobo on May 6, 2021 16:20:03 GMT -5
MTL offers theirs at $0.20 at full MSRP
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Post by mgatdog on May 6, 2021 16:20:31 GMT -5
Just getting ready to tell you something. They $3.75 a piece . Unless you buy in bulk 100 for $1.60 a spring |
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Post by mgatdog on May 6, 2021 16:22:33 GMT -5
MTL offers theirs at $0.20 at full MSRP Frank’s price is better if you can wait.😉 |
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Indeed MTL 2nd generation GP9s and GP35s share the same chassis.. 
