Metal Diesel Locomotives by A.C. Gilbert

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How to Convert to Knuckle Couplers

Notes:

The #(21)234 GP7 was produced from 1959 through 1961, and it includes two variations. The first variation produced in 1959 and 1960, as shown in the photo, has long steps. The second variation produced in 1961 has short steps. The reason for the short steps is that when Gilbert went to the new Pike-Master systems, the radius of the track was such that the steps had to be shortened to allow to the GP7 to negotiate the curves of the new Pike-Master track. Both variations have a bell located inside the chassis with a clapper that is attached to the axle so the bell rings as the locomotive moves.

This shows both the pre-production model in the foreground and the production model with the yellow chassis in the back. Because of this feature, this locomotive has the nickname the 'Bell Ringer'.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

370

Prototype Info

Category:

GP7

Year/Era:

1949

Manufacturer:

Electro-Motive Division (EMD)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1950

Road Number:

370

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

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Online Article:

Parts Diagram

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This photo is not of the complete 370, but it shows a Gilbert prototype using that model's chassis, without the typical weight and the conventional old style reversing unit. This was done to make room for the brass bell assembly. In place of the typical reversing unit the factory designers/inventors installed a slide switch for manual reversing of the loco. Eventually this bell ringer mechanism was available in the 1959 (21)234 C&O Bell Ringer Locomotive that was part of the 1959 Defender Set.

Review and Running on a Layout

Rebuild description and test run of this engine (part 1 of 2).

Rebuild description and test run of this engine (part 2 of 2).

Disassembly.

Planning a rebuild.

Motor disassembly.

Running Light on a Layout

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

375

Prototype Info

Category:

GP7

Year/Era:

1949

Manufacturer:

Electro-Motive Division (EMD)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1953

Road Number:

375

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Parts Diagram

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Notes:

This is the first KC-produced GP engine, and it's rather rare. It came with a horn. Reproductions of it are rampant; the date stamp in the shell is about the only way to authenticate one.

Running the model on his layout.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

374/375

Prototype Info

Category:

GP7

Year/Era:

1949

Manufacturer:

Electro-Motive Division (EMD)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1953

Road Number:

374, 375

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Parts Diagram

Supplemental Part:

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