A.C. Gilbert GP7: Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) #234

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21234

Prototype Info

Category:

GP7

Year/Era:

1949

Manufacturer:

Electro-Motive Division (EMD)

Dimensions:

55'11"

Road Name:

Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)

Ext. Reference:

visit site

Ext. Reference:

visit site

Model Info

Gauge:

Introduced:

1959

Road Number:

234

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

Online Article:

Wiring Diagram

Supplemental Part:

Torpedo Tubes Air Tanks Winterization Hatch

Supplemental Part:

Louvers

Supplemental Part:

Replacement Fuel Tank

Supplemental Part:

Exhaust Stack

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'.