Walthers Trainline MoPac GP15-1

Some affordable locos just run right.   In my limited experience, the Walthers Trainline locos tend to fit the bill.  At this point I think I've acquired 4 (in 3 different models) and they are all smooth, reliable runners.  Today's selection is no exception.  

This is a Walthers Trainline Missouri Pacific GP15-1.

The Walthers GP15-1 was first released in 1999.  HO Scale Trains Resource has nice page about the first two years of releases and a some general information about the model.  This particular scheme was included in the first year of production.

I wasn't able to find prototype pictures of this exact locomotive, but I did find quite a few similar MoPac Gp15-1's in the same number series in the same livery.

Looking closer at the shell, 20 years on, the detail level is a bit rudimentary by today's standards, but it's as good or better than Athearn Blue Box, my personal measuring stick for acceptable detail.  I got a reasonable deal on mine because of a few broken stanchion connections as seen above.  A bit of BSI IC-2000 (black rubberized superglue) should fix the stanchions and replacing the hideous Mk1 EZ-Mate couplers will happen shortly as well. 

The paintwork on these early examples is clean but pretty simple.  Note the lack of number boards and other paint details.  I usually don't mess with adding decals to a finished model, but this cries out for some number boards.

Similar acceptable level of surface detail on the top.

The bottom view reveals the large brass flywheels that no doubt contribute to it's very nice running characteristics.  It runs smooth and quiet and slows down nicely.

This was purchased to have acceptable 1980's motive power for my Chicago and Eastern Illinois railcars.   C&EI was bought by Missouri Pacific in the 1976 and as affordable C&EI locomotives are rare (still looking though) and I'm modeling the 80's-90's, this seemed like a logical choice.

Here's a video of just such a consist.  It's also my first attempt at using a desk chair as a base for smoothly panning back and forth.

As you can no doubt tell, I'm pleased with this loco and can heartily recommend it to anyone wanting great performance at a modest price.  For those wanting a new example however, time may be running out.  Walthers seems to be either neglecting or wrapping up the "Trainline" series of trains in favor of more expensive models.  Very few Trainline locomotives are in-stock in their webstore and those that are. have been marked on sale.

Luckily, Trainline locos seem to be relatively commonly available at shows and other second-hand venues and I recommend picking them up when you can.

-Karl