Reworked Arnold N Scale GG-1

This is an old Arnold N Scale GG-1. I put in a $12 Kato GM-5 motor, added pickups to the center drivers, and added weights on the pilot trucks. That solved the stalling, jerky motion, and derailing truck issues the stock engine has.

I also turned down the huge wheel flanges by chucking the wheels in a handheld power drill and riding a file on the flanges.

All this is about a week's work (evenings).

I did airbrush the shell Tuscan Red and put on Microscale decals. The original engine was "Christmas Tree" green.

There is a complete article on this in the NTrak Steam Locomotive Information Book. (Yes, I know it's not a steam locomotive - but it is an icon of the steam era, so they let me put it in the book!)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• GG-1
• Scale
• loco
• engine

[mmagliaro]

The baggage car is a kit made by Hellgate Models. It is not too expensive and makes a terrific accurate B60.

[mmagliaro]

Of course it has worm gears. One on each end of the motor shafts. Yes, the gears in the old Arnold GG1 are notoriously noisy. The gears down into the truck towers are noisy too. Not much you can do about it. But it can be made to run smooth and slow.

[mmagliaro]

Thanks - yes, I'm sure the Kato runs great. But remember, I built this one so long ago, I can't even remember (10 years ???) So all the while people have lamented not having a decent GG1, I've been enjoying a nice runner. Yes, it's always possible that a nice commercial model will come out of something you build, but why wait? Besides, I'd rather have things I built myself.

Thanks again.

[Blargaldalien]

Good power,but needs catenary...

[mmagliaro]

I know, I know... but the point of the video was just to show that these old Arnold bruisers can be made into nice runners, not to necessarily show off my catenary-building skills ;-)

[Amtrak1194]

Where'd ya get the baggage car?

[shaygetz1960]

Nice work..I prefer the gear sounds of old school motive power to what's offered nowadays.

[vhd72]

No complaints here. I think some of the buzzing of older electronics and meshing of gears(like Lionel) gives it character.

[DickAllen4HOF]

Great layout.

[m301]

Is that the gears making that noise? Or does it have worm gear on the inside?

[ravenhawk6910]

Thats one sweet engine. I have an old Arnold GG1 still in it's old color, but it can't pull very long trains with out the motor cutting off.

[aihoschema]

Sweeeet! I just got the KATO GG1(5 stripe Brunswick green). I think you did a great job with the good old Arnold. There will always be better locos (plastic or brass) for every loco (and running stock) so one has to make a decision. You did well. Thanks for sharing.

A PRR fan