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South Jersey S Scale Modelers

PRR GP7 8551

 

 

PRR_GP7_8551_1 small PRR_GP7_8551_2 small

 

PRR_GP7_8551_3 small

 

This loco was built by my friend Bob Frascella in 2013. Bob is modeling the Elmira branch. The PRR was ordering diesel locomotives purpose built with the equipment options almost to the point of pulling a particular train. 8551 worked various areas including Chicago, Indiana and on the Elmira Branch in New York.

 

Bob is an amazing modeler mostly working with plastic and urethane. Seeing this project was the inspiration for me to start my PRR GP7 8553 I relied heavily on 8551 for my detailing.

 

Bob used many different parts. The loco started as an American Models GP9. A Des Plaines Hobbies GP7 kit is the gray long and short hood. Various BTS brass parts including the torpedo tanks, handrail and antenna stanchions were used.

 

 

 

 

These are some of Bob’s construction photos.

PRR_GP7_8551_4 small PRR_GP7_8551_5 small PRR_GP7_8551_6 small

 

As I completed my 8553 I never thought 8551 would ever be for sale. Bob’s interests shifted from the PRR in 1955 to the D&H in 1977, so 8851 became available for sale. I knew both GP7 would look great together even though they likely never ran in the same region at the same time. I got 8551 on 7-13-17.

 

The loco is not quite as GREEN as shown, but as in the prototype

you can see the difference between black and Brunswick Green.

 

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Here are 2 of the same locomotives built by 2 people with

completely different materials. Still they look GREAT together.

 

PRR_GP7_8551_13 small PRR_GP7_8551_14 small

 

PRR_GP7_8551_15 small PRR_GP7_8551_16 small 

 

I like very bright headlights. They both plant a spotlight on the adjacent car.

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PRR_GP7_8551_19 small PRR_GP7_8551_20 small

 

Updated 2-25-18

All photos and content © Lanes Trains 2005-2018