GG1 Video

Here is a short demo video of the new Lionel GG1 remote controlled pantographs, catenary arc effects, sound, and smoke.





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWJjUBQZKbE&sns=em

Amid
the height of the Great Depression, the Pennsylvania Railroad continued an
ambitious modernization process of its mainlines between New York, Philadelphia
and Washington D.C. The investment kept employees working during the lean years
and would pay dividends as World War II brought record-setting traffic levels
to what was already the world’s busiest rail corridor.

As part of these
improvements, the Standard Railroad of the World needed a new locomotive for
mainline operations. True to its engineering pedigree, the Pennsylvania began
vigorous testing of two potential designs in 1934. When the victor was chosen,
Raymond Loewy was given the task to refine the new power house into a modern
beauty.

Loewy’s
vision – a locomotive which appeared to be already at speed as the passengers
walked beside it on the station platform – provided not only a fitting shroud
but a unique form as striking and iconic today as it was on its debut.

While
the public marveled at their looks, railroaders quickly came to respect these
new motors for what lay under the hood. Designed to propel heavy passenger
trains at sustained 100 mph jaunts, the GG1’s were quickly proven capable of
much more

.

A
total of 139 locomotives were completed by 1943. Used in both passenger and
freight service throughout their careers, GG1’s could be found on everything
from the Broadway Limited to ore trains.

The
legendary status of the GG1 grew stronger with age. Outliving the PRR itself,
the G’s went on to serve Penn Central, Amtrak, Conrail and New Jersey Transit.
They finally lost their grip on the catenary in 1985. Today 16 of the memorable
motors have been preserved in museums, some far from the corridors they once
owned.



Thanks to Rick Hills of the Maine 3Railers