How to Repair an Atlas H.O. Gauge GP 7

[@mylazymood]

Nice video! I'm also a Billings resident from the Heights. I really love how passionate you are with your hobby!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for the Super Thanks and your kind words. I'm out here in the Lockwood section of the Magic city. Pretty cool to have a local or two supporting my channel :-)

[@rttx]

I've been watching this channel since its inception. It's a true pleasure to see toys and models from years past having life breathed back into them, no matter how rudimentary they may be. When I saw this thumbnail, I thought "wow, that's really new, and it's a REAL model!" That may sound a little snobby, but I started thinking about how old this particular model is and realized that it can now easily fall into the "classic" category. While today I mainly focus my interests in prototype modeling and recreating history from my youth in miniature, I have also owned and played with a lot of the exact stuff that sits on Ron's big shelf on his wall. Ron, thanks for all your hard work. Keep doing what you do. I really enjoy watching you grow and learn. I would really like to see more models from the last 3 decades torn apart and put back together. I'm glad this channel has been financially beneficial for you.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your kind words. I agree, a model from the late 90's or early 2000's seems like just a few years ago. Sounds like you might have a very interesting layout. Lots of detail. I have not gotten to that "level" of modeler. Perhaps some day :-)

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Congratulations on your auction success! It appears there's a real market for folks to buy locos whose repairs have been well documented and well implemented by a real expert they trust!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Stephen, After seeing it in action, I believe your right Sir!

[@YourLocalRailfan]

Atlas is an awesome company

[@classicmodeltrains]

they make nice stuff

[@paulschicker4456]

Enjoy your videos, loved trains as a kid, and lived next to the tracks for most of my life. The old Chicago Northwestern mainline to Milwaukee to Green Bay now Union Pacific. In the late 60's/70's I saw the Union Pacific Big Boy 4017 being pulled to the Green Bay Train Museum. You make it entertaining, I have boxes full of model railroad stuff that need fixing so I'll keep watching. Thanks

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Paul!

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

Your repairs and insight are much appreciated. 😊👍!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks 👍

[@joediberardino4419]

Awesome video very informative thank s Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Very welcome Joe :-)

[@agatemaster1998]

KATO made one of the best drives of that era rolls Royce drives of old

[@classicmodeltrains]

I keep hearing that. Now I need a yellow box Atlas to work on.

[@scotabot7826]

Beautiful video, as Always!! Thanks

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching and commenting :-)

[@raquaro1]

I have two Atlas RS3's from the nineties that still run beautifully. Very smooth and quiet. I installed Digitrax decoders back around 96 or 97. No sound of course. After I did that, I have NEVER had the shells off. They just keep running. Thanks for another great video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for sharing a great story about these nice running loco's.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I have two Atlas GP-7's. Nice to see how to work on 'em. They both are the Central of Georgia which is a hard item to find. I just purchased another Atlas Central of Georgia RS-3. So now I have three Atlas engines. The two GP-7's were $75.00 each and I paid $129.00 for the RS-3. Prices certainly have risen over the years. Cheers from eastern TN

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like you have 3 real nice runners there!!

[@eastcoastrailroad8209]

Great video. I learned something from each 1of your video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! I learn a lot from making and researching them. Now If I can only retain the information ;-)

[@marklinzeit]

I stopped by RimRock Hobbies as I am passing thru town today, and was disappointed to find out that you don't work there anymore. :-( I bought some plaster and rock molds just to give em some business. I was visiting family out on the left coast and came thru Billings hoping to say hello. Wanted to thank you personally for all the informative, fun, and funny videos! This comment will have to do.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sorry I missed you. Reach out to me on my Facebook page.

[@tracynation2820]

Super video. When I was young, the price of this Atlas locomotive would have let my railroad own an Athearn Superpower F7A, a matching dummy F7B, and two Athearn matching streamline passenger cars. I always like seeing what is inside, and now I wish that I had picked the Atlas locomotive. P.S. The Athearn units survived, and still operate great. 💙 T.E.N.

[@classicmodeltrains]

WOW!! I didnt know Atlas was so expensive back in the day

[@rwheatley0206]

Great video buddy. Nice service job.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnbanicki7232]

Love the older Atlas/Kato engines. Very good runners. Thanks for sharing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching!

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Thank you for your very informational and interesting videos . I love watching them .

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, Glad you enjoy them :-)

[@thomasmoroney4993]

Great video!..makes me want to go out find one that needs repair..and give it a try!..thanks for the inspiration

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching and Yup!! time to get a Atlas :-)

[@n4pwx]

Hey Ron just wanted to say I really enjoyed this new video. It was so Awesome. Take care and please keep up with the twisting of the screwdrivers. L8ter my friend.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good Morning Dennis, Thanks for watching and your kind words once again :-)

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. I have some older Atlas yellow boxes and they run really smooth, easy to add decoders as well. Enjoyed your video.👍

[@billfusionenterprise]

made in where?, yellow box is either japan or austria, japan ones are Kato

[@elsdp-4560]

@@billfusionenterprise Japan/Kato had them for years and with some basic maintenance and care they have treated me well, and of course, I added DCC. Bill, you have a great day.

[@billfusionenterprise]

@@elsdp-4560 thanks, love how smooth they are

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching! I'm going to look for a yellow box myself.

[@elleryparsons2433]

Watching you And SMT On these trains are spot on love Watching good Educating as Well.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you like them!

[@rickdee67]

That locomotive is exponentially better engineered than ANYTHING Tyco ever did!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree, but the Mantua's give it a good run for the money

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

Went back to re-watch this one again. Great video Ron. As you mentioned I would like to see a late 70s or 80s Atlas repair. Take care, Jeff Hanna.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I wished I had a 70's or 80's atlas. I just found out this was actually made by Kato

[@jasonoconnor505]

In the 70s when I first played around with model trains the Atlas was the crem dela crem locomotive to get.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I believe you are right. There still pretty good to this day.

[@markrickard4795]

Very nice loco good video on servicing etc ps maine central was a railroad that operated in the state of maine hauling mainly potatos love yr content

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Mark, Thanks for your kind words :-)

[@SteveAliciaGregoire]

Atlas has been part of my R/R life for really long, long time. I have at least a dozen of their locos and I like them all. Atlas / Kato, ya can't go wrong with one of these. One thing about those Atlas locos is they have some of the finest "Thrust Washers" I've ever seen. Lovin the vids, great job on the research. Sometimes that noise is coming from the fly wheel rubbin a little on the inside body of those snug GP7 shells.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your reply and kind words on my video's. Also thanks for a great idea on the possible noise issue :-)

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Atlas is always good. The yellow boxes(roco and kato drive)is awesome. The same with Athearn blue boxes.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I like the way you think!!

[@Zebrails]

EBay auctions... yes, they supported you very well. Congratulations, wow! John p.s. 13:00 be sure you brush your teeth. My younger brother drank it like water. Mountain Dew has the most sugar in it... I laughed when you mentioned it because I also know what you had to do beyond getting your thirst quenched!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Auctions did come out well. That Mountan Dew gave me the caffeine shakes. Hard to put in little screws ;-)

[@4everdc302]

When a GeePs up for grabs I buy it lol. Still watching Ron🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your support Doug :-)

[@ronvanhoose2130]

Atlas is a solid product

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with you Sir!!

[@regisbraga3833]

Hello my Friend! Many things happening here, little time for me. Very nice and resourceful video: your research was really good! I liked the way you explained the differences between the lines carried by Atlas. Your tips in disassembly the locomotive are very useful and the background on the GP7 very interesting. Kudos! It’s interesting to note that although the last run of the Atlas GP7 is from 2018 these are almost identical to the first run made by Kato in early 1990, the sole difference been the PC board DCC ready (and the fact they were made in China, of course!). Even to today’s standards the (original) Atlas (Kato) GP7 is a remarkable piece of engineering. By the way, receive my effusive compliments for your 6,140 subscribers! Take care Ron!

[@classicmodeltrains]

There is my Good Friend Regis!! It has been awhile. Thank you once again for all your kind words. I have not heard one Feller mention anything bad about Atlas stuff, especially the KATO drive that many have. I stumbled upon this purchase not knowing what I had found. I will be looking for more Atlas, hopefully the yellow box stuff from the 70's and forward to do work on in the future. I am blessed with having the subscriber count that much. I hope all is well with you and yours Sir!!

[@caboosech]

Best running locomotives I got eight of them on my roster

[@classicmodeltrains]

After doing this one I need 7 more now also :-)

[@markwakeley3835]

Great video Ron. I'm always on the lookout for the older Atlas locos with "Japan" stamped on the trucks. KATO makes a very good drive. I just love to do just what your videos show, take 'em apart, clean 'em up, get them up and running like new. Fun times.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Mark, This is my first Atlas anything. Now there will be one more guy you have to compete with for picking up old Atlas stuff, because I want more ;-)

[@marklinzeit]

Thanks! Liked the B&W bit. You'll never get KleanStrip sponsorship if you keep kicking it over!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good Morning to you. Thanks once again for supporting my channel with the SuperThanks. Yeah but when it's kicked over, more has to be purchased. It could be their evil plan for more sales ;-)

[@johnnydeville5701]

That's awesome that fellow model railroaders help by overpaying! Only way I'd do it on purpose is to help out! Ron, are you gonna do a video on an entry-level Bachmann F9? I've got a couple that I could use your tutorial on! Keep up the great work! 🚂🚃🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Johnny, Ive been trying to put together a Bachmann F unit vid but all 4 that I own have the gears broken in them. Might have to see if I can brass sleeve them.

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

I really love your commentating.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I appreciate that!

[@elleryparsons2433]

Ron you Rock Buddy keep up the Awsome Work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Again :-)

[@johnramirez5996]

I have few atlas engines. Including a D. T. I. And N&W both DCC. And cpl other ones. I got them down with truck design. Atlas has oil hole in each truck. Most I have also have red gearing in drives.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Very cool!

[@theplumber33]

Hard to Crack that shell! Nice restoration! 💯🫵✌️

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks 👍

[@casstelles]

I remember having one in Atlas Yellow box with a Kato drive in UP paint scheme, and it ran like a Swiss watch. Back in the day, it was better than Athearn due to the hood width, but there were some details that would date it by today's standards. The first was the diecast frame without any MU connections which made the pilot solid. The second would be the molded-on grab irons and lift rings. The grab irons and lift rings were not a deal breaker for me since many manufacturers didn't offer them as separate items during this time period. The only other manufacture that made a locomotive close to Atlas was Front Range, but I didn't ever find too many out in the wild. As far as buying one today if found, I would consider the purchase, but the modern offerings of Bachmann GP7/9 make an affordable option for buying this type of locomotive, also.

[@casstelles]

PS: Comp. Side = Component Side

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the great story! OOOhhh... A Front range! A Feller sent me a front range body for a Athearn frame. Actually I believe its a GP-7 also. I hear they were super detailed body back in the day. Thanks for the component side info!!

[@brentpodoll5848]

Love the Case tractor on main street

[@classicmodeltrains]

Always gotta have that one guy holding up traffic :-)

[@BillMorse-jr2ou]

thank you for addressing coupler change, was not 100% sure about simply yanking the plastic pin out. The Maine Central mountain division ran from St. Johnsbury, Vermont to Portland, Maine, making an important port connection. Sadly, this through freight service ended in the mid-eighties (I think)… all the best from Vermont… btw, my Atlas is a Rutland RS-1.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for a bit of history!!

[@adventuresinmodelrailroading]

Comp. Side is Component Side. It indicates which side of the board the electrical components should be mounted to.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for this good info :-)

[@azmike1]

I am clamped to these videos. Thanks!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you like them!

[@kencole8104]

Good morning Ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good Morning Ken

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

Atlas is big in the N scale world, too, they used to import a lot of stuff from Rivarrosi back in "the day" before ConCor took it over. Kato made a lot of the early drives for other manufacturers in N scale as well.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup! I agree with ya :-)

[@NotGavin]

Cool stuff Ron! I have two of these Atlas GP7’s in N scale, one Boston & Maine, and one Maine Central. Same paint schemes just different lettering, especially loved watching this one because Maine Central is my favorite railroad, and also because i don’t live far from the former MEC lines, in fact my profile picture is a Maine Central GP38. Awesome video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Very cool! Glad you enjoyed the Vid.

[@ecidaho]

Nice video Ron! I don’t own any Atlas HO locomotives, but do own a fair number of 90s Atlas/Kato locomotives and love them! They run like tanks! I have a couple of later Atlas Classic locomotives, two GP-7s.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good morning Erick, I need to find a yellow box Atlas or two. Have not found one person who has anything bad to say about them

[@matchboxcustomsandrestos]

Besides the fact that people were supporting the channel by bidding more on those excellent engines...you got to also factor in, we all seen that these were serviced running engines. That will bring more then something that someone would put up for sale and not have step by step video of what was done and serviced.

[@classicmodeltrains]

A GREAT point you make there Sir!!

[@billfusionenterprise]

FYI as far as steam being replaced, That actually was going on before diesels were a thing. I read about it in the Locomotive Cyclopedia of American Practice (1929 edition, there are others as well, FREE to read PDF on Google books, also great to read about steam engine design) Electrics already in use in NYC to keep city clean were also being used in tunnels and hills and found to be better. It is why you have all those electric lines on east coast (GG1 lines) Now as far as diesels replacing steam it took some time (WW2 put a kink in it) First issue was horse power replacement. Real trick was MU units. Steam engines were about 5000-6000 HP so you needed those 4 unit lash ups to compete. The first major set was the F7 (rare to see picture of pulling freight) It was great and reliable BUT no so much for switching. This is where the RS1 came in. The first dual purpose road switcher that could do switching and haul trains on the road. WHY, because the body allows you you to see both directions which the F7 could not. EMD answer was the BL2, it was nice BUT nightmare to service, so the next design was the GP7 and it was boght because of the bad engine design of the RS series. FYI KZbin channels "History in the dark" "AmtrakGuy365" "Cowl Unit Productions", "The Imagination Station (great info on steam)" is where I saw some of this great info

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good Morning Bill, Thanks for sharing some good information and good channels to visit. When I was researching the GP-7 I just used Wikipedia and cut out a bunch of stuff to keep it short and to the point. That BL2 of EMD's was not very soft on the eye compared to other loco's of that time period.

[@billfusionenterprise]

@@classicmodeltrains the BL was not bad, think they were going for streamline look, but was not practical for use or service

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

When an athearn anyting was 1299 and Atlas engine was $25. They were like the best diesel locomotives you could get outside of brass locomotives.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on! I didnt know Athearn's were $12.99 back in the day

[@bradleyogden5688]

Thanks for doing this, this model is on to buy list, WP 703, I'll purchase one when that time comes. Which trucks do you prefer for maintenance? Athearn's Blue Box style or the one from the Atlas Classic line? Thanks again for sharing this with us.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your kind words. Maintenance on trucks I have no preference, but in my opinion the Atlas had a stronger made truck assembly.

[@RayBoebel]

I thought I had heard that Atlas had asked or worked with KATO to build drives for their loco's. I want to say iwas the 1990's maybe? I was really surprised when I bought and Atlas RS3 a few years ago at a train show. When I got it home and opened it up, it was a KATO drive

[@classicmodeltrains]

During my research Atlas had lots of others who made their loco's and rolling stock. Hope you are doing well Ray :-)

[@billfusionenterprise]

FYI, older Atlas in yellow box were made in 2 places. One in Japan, one is Austria., The Japan ones are made by Kato (says on the truck cover bottoms) Al though both are smooth Runners. By the Way if you see a Yellow bonnet F7 Santa Fe it will be an Austria one. I have 2 of them

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, Still need me a yellow box Kato one. Freight bonnet F units are cool.

[@billfusionenterprise]

@@classicmodeltrains I find them at trains shows all the time, but try not to spend too much, (50 or less for one), a little more for green box Kato. Neat thing to do for a loco test is to do full power then off real fast and see how the flywheels smooth the acceleration curves

[@jebbohanan2626]

I don’t believe I own an Atlas HO Locomotive… Well, I think I’m going to receive a delivery of at least one, today. Yup!! Just got the Email it’s just been delivered. Ok, so now I got an Atlas. I think there’s a Walthers and a Life-Like in the package also. Gonna be busy this weekend!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like you just received a great delivery. I hope all 3 turn out to be great loco's!!

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

If it's gotta direct style light board, you *have to* put DCC in it! A Loksound board and cube speakers will make this one a banger!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I'm not really into DCC. Maybe If I was in a club and had a lot of Fellers operating at the same time I would.

[@jasonmarkum171]

Very Nice! Could you tell us where you get that superlube grease and the carbon conductive grease from? Thanks for sharing!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Jason. I got the super lube from a NAPA auto parts store, and the Carbon Conductive stuff from Amazon.

[@jasonmarkum171]

@@classicmodeltrains Thank you sir!

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

I have a couple Atlas N-scale locos - a GP9 in SP Black Widow livery (DC) and an S-2 in SP Bloody Nose livery (DCC w/sound). Both are good runners, especially the S-2 - I've yet to find a DC locomotive that creeps like that thing does.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thats the first loco Ive done that can creep along that slow. I was very impressed.

[@RyenTheBeerGuy]

Are you related to Derik on vice grip garage, you remind me of him. Love your videos been watching since you started just never commented. I have some rare mehano sets you can only get in Canada, Look out for the Presidents Choice Train sets they were sold in Canada only you will thank me later.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Beer Guy (great handle) Not related, a lot of people ask. We're both from North Dakota so maybe we all have some of the same mannerisms. Is the Presidents choice those supermarket sets? Ive heard a lot about them. Will have to keep my eye out.

[@RyenTheBeerGuy]

@@classicmodeltrains haha eh thanks haha , and yeah they are the supermarket sets, definitely look out for them , they have some decent locos in them sets , there is a list on the old interwebs of all the sets.

[@invisiblesniper2767]

I had a buzzing problem with my AHM Burlington Northern 1998 and it was buzzing and it wouldn’t move. Do you know how to fix

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its pretty hard to diagnose stuff over texts in the comment section. Sorry.

[@matthewhancock2127]

I have what I believe to be an sw7 Switcher, and the couplers on this Switcher locomotive are mounted on the trucks. Not body mounted, is there a way to body mount couplers to a locomotive? Especially if they're somewhat of a lip where the coupler should go?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes. Kadee has a website and will help you with the products they offer to get it to work

[@MygrandpasTrain]

That Kato drive looks an awful lot like an Athearn, but maybe everyone copied that, as it appears to be the standard drive in everything (or similar designs). Actually the noise it makes also sounds alot like my Walthers engine. Really winds up!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, after seeing a bunch of different gear towers they all look pretty similar. Small variations here and there so they are not stepping on each others patents. I was sorta shocked at the gear noise this made. Who needs DCC sound when they do that ;-D

[@kencole8104]

Ron did you find some RC motor cleaner?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have not looked. I don't work at the Hobby shop anymore. Busy with my "normal" day job. Hobby shop attendance makes my wallet drain for some reason :-)

[@stevemalachinski5001]

Find yourself an Atlas yellow box locomotive those were from the 70's.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I would love a yellow box Atlas.

[@kencole8104]

🚂

[@classicmodeltrains]

I cant make fancy emojis. only smily faces :-)

[@richardlintermoot1546]

Do you have train from 2004?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I'm not really sure when this particular one was made. I could not find any info on this road number.

[@markfrench8892]

Kato is pronounced Kah-toe and it's a Japanese company.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the info

[@MosriteCharlie]

The Kato drives are slightly more powerful than the version made in China, but the body shell details ae slightly better than the basic Kato model. I have both versions.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for that good information!

[@maltnz]

Very similar to Athearn drive tower.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree

[@micpay]

I probably would of trashed it a lot work just to take the body off ! 😮

[@classicmodeltrains]

Best running loco I have come across. Its worth it

[@bradwb6192]

Nice plug with the auctions. Excellent way of involving your target audience...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks MC, worked out better that I thought it would.

[@startrekking359]

All you needed to do remove the couplers body lifts right off.

[@startrekking359]

I'm sorry Ron disregard my comment I was wrong 😢

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear some of the older ones were like that. Things always changing on us when were not looking :-)

[@suppylarue220]

your presentation is not up to the standards of earlier critiques. had you looked at atlas exploded diagrams, you would see how easy it is to service the atlas gp7. are you in a bad mood today?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have never looked at a Exploded parts diagram to disassemble and service locomotives. I just jump in head first and give Er hell. I'm not quit sure what you are referencing about "Bad Mood". Perhaps I was a bit tired during the maintenance portion of the video and it showed in my voice?