EMD: GP7
Since so many of the GP-7s survived into the early 1970s, many of them were repainted into the "second-generation" green and yellow paint scheme. There were two variants of this scheme applied to these locomotives. The most common application is shown in the photo of #635 at right. This version was applied to the following units: 607, 619, 626, 629, 631, 633, 635, 636 and 664. HOWEVER, even within this version, there is some slight variation. On some units, the entire long hood is painted yellow, as in the photo at right. On others, there is a very narrow strip of green along the bottom of the long hood, as can be seen in the detail photo of #626 below. Consult with prototype photos of the unit being modeled to be certain of the correct application.
The second variant on the green and yellow paint scheme, which included a broad green stripe along the entire locomotive as seen below, was applied to locomotives #623 and #636. Also note in these two photos how both the yellow and green paint fade over time.
Below are some close up views of the short and long hoods of green/yellow GP-7s to show how the green paint was applied to the top of the locomotive. Note that on the long hood, the green paint is applied "around" the radiator screen, and that entire piece remains yellow. Also, on the end headlights, the top lens is green, while the bottom lens remains yellow, rather than painting the entire casing. Finally, note how the dynamic brake blister is treated, although there are some variations on this as well, as can be seen in the photo of #623 above. As with any modeling project, the best approach is to work from a prototype photo of the locomotive being modeled.
After an incident in Allentown Yard in 1973, Reading GP-7 #614 was repainted into the 1970s "Reading Green" paint scheme; this was the only unit to receive this paint scheme.
The Reading's GP-7s were truly "General Purpose" locomotives that served a variety of functions on the railroad, from mainline trains to branchline and yard service. They were favored by crews for their performance and reliability. The mix of paint schemes could add some color to your locomotive roster, and would demonstrate how the Reading's appearance changed over the later years. Given their numbers and longevity, the GP-7s are workhorses that would be at home on any Reading layout from the 1950s to the 1970s.
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