GP-7's

[cd]

This is another kind of "rare" unit. Believe it or not, these units were a mixture of phase I and II GP-7. By build the date of September 1950, they are a Phase I. But they were the first units built to have the boxes on the left side beneath the walkway that is normally identified as a Phase II. Additionally, the G&F fitted these with extra horns and a small "night whistle" as required by the more rural communities of south Georgia. Since I model the transition era, these will see service alongside a few odd steamers.

The G&F was so strapped for cash, that these units were ordered with friction bearings instead of roller bearings. I didn't know that was even possible till I heard about these units. Previously, I had thought they must've been the large box type roller bearings, but no, they are friction bearings.

Here's a builder's photo

images61.fotki.com/v665/photos/1/160841/10688332/GrHqZHJCYEdl7yLiBPoG6uN4Q60_58-vi.jpg

And a few in color

public.fotki.com/CDDX1/railroad/gf-color-photos/

Some in B&W

public.fotki.com/CDDX1/railroad/gf-pictures/page2.html