The prototype: EMD builders #15696 was produced in August of 1951 to become US Army 1826. Equipped with ARR A switcher trucks and small fuel tank she and 11 sisters came to Alaska in April of 1960 and went into service with the same numbers. Over the next several years these locomotives received larger fuel tanks and AAR B road trucks. 1826 was chop nosed in the Anchorage Shops in 1965 and for a while was Master to Slug Mate 1 used for switching in the Anchorage Yard. In July of 1976 she was reborn as a GP7u at the ICG/Paducah shops to become locomotive 1803.

The model: James Sava's photograph of 1826 on arrival in Alaska, motivated this model. I Started with a P2K Life Like GP7 phase 1 with standard Blomberg trucks. I used a donated Athern SW frame, motor and the required AAR A trucks . Milled the frame down until it set under the Life Like P2K shell properly, then cut it forward of the fuel tank and extended the frame to fit. Lots of room for a decoder with Early EMD sound and extra weight. All the details such as end drop steps, and MU stands came with the P2K locomotive. Tarnished Black Poly S paint matched the photo and the yellow/gold decals came from Randy Thompson at Round House Hobbies.

Happy Modeling Pat Durand