Pacific Design Shops is excited to announce that coming in 2023, we will be releasing GP7/9 KITS for 1:8 scale. We have noted a demand for lower price point engines, and we are targeting an affordable kit price for those that want to build their own engines without sacrificing on looks or performance.
The kits will feature all steel construction with multiple tab and slot features to ease assembly and all the parts will be cut and pre-bent along with holes located for various detail parts from Precision Steel Car. The kits will be designed around Blomberg Trucks from Pike River Shops for their true to scale look and solid steel castings along with the ability for axle hung or center drive electric motors. These engines will match a detailed prototypical appearance with best in class pulling power.
In addition to the full kits, individual sections will be available for purchase to allow users to spread out a build over multiple years to ease the overall cost.
3D designs are in process and we are pushing for a completed prototype to be complete in Q1 of 2023. We have already designed and tested specialty detail parts such as a functional Mars light and Gyralite that will be available as options for the engine to match prototypical setups.
Finally, these kits will include our detailed instructions that our customers have come to love. Below is additional information about the kits and more details will be provided as the prototype progresses. If you have additional questions please reach out.
Why steel construction over aluminum or plastic?
This kit will require welding and steel welding is an easier process than welding aluminum. It is also easier to prepare for painting. The increased weight will assist with better traction effort and better prevent against damage during transportation and use.
Will more engine kits be offered in the future?
The GP7/9 is only the start of our large engine kits. We plan to offer more GP designs in the future based on demand. We will also review opportunities to design ALCO, EMD SD, GE, and Baldwin engines along with their specific powered trucks.
Will an option be available for using a gas powered engine?
We do not plan to make this an option from the shops. While the design will accommodate a gas engine, it will primarily be designed around using electric motors and batteries to provide the pulling power.
Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
Moderators: gwrdriver, Harold_V
- SPSteam2491
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2017 2:30 pm
- Location: Mukwonago, WI
Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
Thanks
John LaFavor
Pacific Design Shops
John LaFavor
Pacific Design Shops
Re: Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
looking forward to this.
Re: Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
GP9...I just might have to buy one!
Jim B
Jim B
Re: Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
Congrats!
hmm, well quite a few EMD products out there from Titan/Trainworks. I think someone used to make a few Alco models, but anything Alco would be neat.
hmm, well quite a few EMD products out there from Titan/Trainworks. I think someone used to make a few Alco models, but anything Alco would be neat.
- Benjamin Maggi
- Posts: 1409
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:38 pm
- Location: Albany, NY
Re: Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
Awesome news!
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
Re: Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
SPSteam2491 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 27, 2022 9:28 amPacific Design Shops is excited to announce that coming in 2023, we will be releasing GP7/9 KITS for 1:8 scale...The kits will be designed around Blomberg Trucks from Pike River Shops...
The choice of trucks is good. I've got them under my F-unit, although not with electric motors.
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Music isn’t at all difficult. All you gotta do is play the right notes at the right time!
Music isn’t at all difficult. All you gotta do is play the right notes at the right time!
Re: Coming in 2023, GP7/9 Kits for 1:8 Scale
Would love to build a ALCO S4 Kit!