Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Feb 17, 2021 3:51:41 GMT -5
F7A phase I details. There is no chicken wire, that was the mid phase F3A. Correct horizontal grille (In mid 1950 EMD started to use the vertical grille called Farr-Air). Dynamic brake diameter 36". Later versions had 48". Full skirt.
Now since apparance were often changed an early F7A could be updated with Farr-Air grilles, the 48" Dynamic Brake and have skirts partially our fully removed. And most railroads were not especially consistent having units in uniform configurations.
On this and the E7 runs we have consulted our book libraries, internet and historical societies. Even with all the information available, sometimes a best guess is called for. Artwork is usually easier than colors, and B&W photos are of limited help. Some railroads had strict paint guidelines like SP while others were all over the board like ATSF. Makes our lives a lot of fun!
So we always try to be as accurate as possible with the tooling we have at hand. And that goes with selecting paint schemes and road numbers too. How often have we not heard: "You forgot my favourite roadnumber!"
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Feb 17, 2021 4:00:02 GMT -5
Here is a .pdf of the front artwork. For your Winter guys, Alaska is the only F7A with a snowplow, but CN, Alaska, MILW, Wabash and NP have Winterisation hatches.
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Feb 17, 2021 4:08:22 GMT -5
We do not usually discuss our delivery schedule since revisions are done all the time. And at the moment we really have to shuffle products around. And there are unannounced products in the schedule as well.
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Feb 17, 2021 7:42:34 GMT -5
The enclosed drawbar will not work on the nose section of the F7s. Only rear section on F7As and both ends on the F7Bs. If the is critical to someones operation, we plan on offering longer drawbars soon
Thanks for all the details.. I’m a bit disappointed that there is no plow for WP and SP since the Sierra gets more snow than Alaska, but I’ll survive
I’m not surprised that the hood end requires a different drawbar. So I get my tools out and make them while waiting for WP, SP. I assume the dimensions are the same as the F3s.
Thanks for all the information on the “phases” of the F7. They are definitely the most obvious differences from the modeling standpoint but also the subjects for the most common rebuilds. From a train spotting standpoint I watch for more subtle changes. The late version has the corners of the side doors rounded and the back door window went from square to round window. The very late versions had higher side windows, lining up with the top of the door instead of the top of the door window. Other than the back door, I’m not sure these differences really translate down to Z.