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Post by dave on Jun 25, 2015 15:25:19 GMT -5
I am looking at getting started in Z scale and am wondering about the differences in the GP7 and the GP38-2. Running qualities, pulling power,looks, durability, etc. Any input is greatly appreciated.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2015 16:06:45 GMT -5
I would choose the gp7 over the gp38-2. Both are great runners but the gp9 looks are much better. Etched hamdrails and side plates on the gp7. Both are great pullers. The gp7 ispre expensive but worth the extra price. Another option would be the gp30.
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Post by bloodynose on Jun 25, 2015 16:11:21 GMT -5
The GP38-2 is a good entry level loco... they look good, they pull pretty good, come in numerous roads, and they are a bargain for $90. The hand railing is a little thicker than others but they still look very prototypical. It's what I started with and soon I was hooked. Now I have quite a few AZL locos and more cars than I can keep track of. I only have 1 GP9 so far (SP of course).
Mark
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ZFRANK
Fireman
If you can't get it.....build it yourself....
Posts: 92
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Post by ZFRANK on Jun 25, 2015 16:16:52 GMT -5
So, the GP38-2 has a less detailed shell compaired to other AZL locomotives, but the guts are similar. They are all great runners and good pulling power because of traction tyres. The lower level of detail of the GP38-2 can be improved fairly easilly if you get used in building in Z-scale.
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Post by domi on Jun 25, 2015 16:20:43 GMT -5
It depends on which era and which railroad you want to model (prototype? free-lance?). Basically the 1500 hp GP7 (and 1750 hp GP9) are first generation diesels, produced in the Fifities, during the famous steam to diesel Transition era, the most targetted among modelrailroaders. Many subsist nowadays but most of these belong to industrial railroads or to shortlines.
On the opposite GP38-2s are far more recent, having been produced roughly between 1972 and 1986, and still can be seen everywhere in North America, from Alaska to Yucatan, from California to Quebec, from British Columbia to Florida, and beeing operated by Class 1 railroads as well as industrial railroads or shortlines.
About their AZL samples, my GP38-2s are among my best runners. I've no GP7/9 but I guess that's the same. About their detailing, as said earlier the -7/9 are accurately detailed as the -38-2s are entry models with a level of detail far more basic (but for which there are superdetailing kits).
Hope this helps,
Dom
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Post by smr on Jun 25, 2015 16:53:11 GMT -5
I would choose the gp7 over the gp38-2. Both are great runners but the gp9 looks are much better. Etched hamdrails and side plates on the gp7. Both are great pullers. The gp7 ispre expensive but worth the extra price. Another option would be the gp30. I agree - the gp7 from AZL runs very smoothly - even at very slow speed. Have a look here. The gp-38-2s are less convincing, but pull nicely.  |
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Post by dave on Jun 25, 2015 17:34:28 GMT -5
Thanks very much for the replies so far. I am looking at either a CB&Q GP7 or a BN GP38-2.
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Post by tjdreams on Jun 25, 2015 17:35:48 GMT -5
I own several of each and am equally satisfied with the Build Quality Performance of both.
The GP38-2 is a nice low cost starter locomotive that runs and pulls pretty good.
The Gp7/9's coast a little more but have better detailing and pull like crazy. How much better I don't know I have never compared them. But I can tell you that well maybe a video will speak more than my words
Check this out
Oh and she pulled all those cars all day both days at the show.
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Post by markm on Jun 25, 2015 21:04:58 GMT -5
I have to agree with tjdreams. Now I have checked them out and the GP7, GP30 and GP38-2 all operate the same: power consumption, operating speed at voltage and load capacity within about 10%, no preferred loco style (sample size of 2 each). I think you would be happy with either. he Ztrack Center has the GP38-2 available as a set. I don't know about the GP7.
Mark
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Joes
Fireman
Posts: 84
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Post by Joes on Jun 27, 2015 18:56:26 GMT -5
I would recommend the GP 7 if you want pilots that can be installed. They come with both.
GP 38 is basically the same mech and runs mostly the same, but you have to modify the pilots if you want the closed look. I am most impressed with this new run of the GP7/9 IMHO best in Z so far.
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