EMD F 7 at LGB --- Part 3

1999 was about to  become an exceptional year for LGB. LGB introduced digital operation to its customers. The computer and its technology had started to impact everything and the internet was already in its infant shoes. So LGB tried desperately to get a foot in the door. The introduction was a bit clumsy with its new MTS system. BUT (!) your Famous Klaus had quite an impact on this occasion. LGB got stuck in the design of the new remote control. So they contacted Klaus who then single-handedly designed and created the body of the prototype of the # 55015 and # 55016 remote control! On his computer and on his ISEL 3-D lathe.

Klaus designed and created the prototype of the LGB remote control (left)

LGB did not print a full catalog in 1999 so the new items were presented in a 20-page brochure titled " 1999 New Items 1999 LGB(logo)". The new operating system was introduced on page 17 (!) and was called "LGB Universal Power" - GoodGrief- who knows why... 

Anyway - the brochure front page displayed 4 locos with the focus on the RhB Bernina (22420) and the F 7 Southern Pacific # 24570 already with the B unit in tow but not offered yet. That would happen a year later.  Also shown but at the top end of the front page and cut off half by the headline, the F 7 PRR # 25570. Both locos then are presented on page 7 in orderly detail.

# 24570 Courtesy of Only Trains

The paint scheme on this Southern Pacific was called the "Black Widow" and was introduced by SP in the 1940's on their freight F 3/ F 7s. It then was used on other Diesel locos as well like the SP Diesel Switcher units. Southern Pacific later dismissed the Black-Widow paint scheme as unwanted and started new paint schemes in 1958.

# 25570 Courtesy of  Only Trains.

Also  presented as new items were 3 passenger cars for the Union Pacific F 7 from the last year, cars # 31580, # 31590 and # 31570, the LGB # 30590 Santa Fe observation car for the F 7 Santa Fe passenger train. And the LGB # 40790 Santa Fe caboose car even though the F 7 was edited as a passenger engine ( 2 head lights on the loco)

LGB 31570  Courtesy of Only Trains

LGB 31580 Courtesy of Only Trains

LGB 31590 Courtesy of Only Trains

To keep things muddled, LGB also offered three passenger cars for the F 7 PRR which was edited as a freight train (1 headlight).  The cars were # 32570, # 32580 and # 32590. Nonetheless it made a beautiful train.

LGB # 32570 Courtesy of Only Trains

LGB # 32580 Courtesy of Only Trains

LGB # 32590 Courtesy of Only Trains

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++to be continued............................
PS: PLEASE start checking your Christmas trains and needs re layouts and engines and schedule your repairs ahead of time. Call Klaus at 770-886-6670. THANKS!