TheRailwire

General Discussion => N and Z Scales => Topic started by: Mark5 on April 09, 2010, 09:20:54 PM

Title: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 09, 2010, 09:20:54 PM
Heh, I just came to the realization that almost all N&W F7s had passenger pilots. ::)

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=20187

Kato does not appear to make F7 shells with passenger pilots. I guess I'll have to fashion a pair. Jeez and I thought the worst would be removing the dynamics ...

Background: About ten years ago I went on a holy grail like quest to get two Kato F7s with dual headlights. It looks like I will finally have some free time for modeling this year, so I'm looking at all my projects that are cued up.

I know F7s didnt run on the Pokey, but I have a soft spot for F units (maybe because I never saw them on the N&W!).

Mark (d'oh)
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Chris333 on April 09, 2010, 09:28:01 PM
Their F3's come with PAX pilots. Should be easy straight cuts.  ;)
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 09, 2010, 09:38:05 PM
Their F3's come with PAX pilots. Should be easy straight cuts.  ;)

So I just need to order two more shells. ::)
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: jmlaboda on April 10, 2010, 12:33:49 AM
Just for accuracy... those N&W F7s were Wabash first.  For some reason Wabash preferred the passenger pilot, like a few other roads did.
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 10, 2010, 09:17:32 AM
no kiddin ;)
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: bbussey on April 10, 2010, 01:08:52 PM
Heh, I just came to the realization that almost all N&W F7s had passenger pilots. ::) ...
Kato does not appear to make F7 shells with passenger pilots. I guess I'll have to fashion a pair. Jeez and I thought the worst would be removing the dynamics ...

I did that years ago, when Kato parts were more plentiful.  Spliced an E8 pilot onto an F7 body to model the lone CR blue cab unit.

(http://www.bbussey.net/ns/p/dCR1792.jpg) (http://www.bbussey.net/ns/p/dCR1792d.jpg)

It's not a difficult kitbash at all.  The dimensions of the model noses are identical.  The splice is under the anti-climber.  The hardest part at this point will be finding the parts...

... Or not.  Just checked Kato's parts website, and they have E8A passenger-pilot bodyshells available for $25 each.  It appears most of the F7A bodyshell variations also are available at the same price.


Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 10, 2010, 01:12:41 PM
Looks good Bryan! 8)

Hmm, $50 + shipping or fabricate my own ... decisions, decisions
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: bbussey on April 10, 2010, 02:34:06 PM
At least the only deterrent is the cost of the parts.  The cost was no more than half that when I did my kitbash eons ago.
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 10, 2010, 10:40:41 PM
These were sort of a diversion back when there was still very little suitable power available for N&W proper. Things have changed greatly in the past decade in terms of available locos (mainly thanks to Atlas).

I am seriously considering unloading the Kato Fs as I have at least 40 loco projects that actually relate to the Pokey.
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: bbussey on April 11, 2010, 10:17:55 AM
Doesn't IMRC make a non-D/B F7?  Might not be that major a project after all if you graft the Kato passenger pilot onto an IMRC body, plus the IMRC units are DCC-ready.  Unloading the Kato F7s and substituting IRMC F7s might actually pay for a portion of the Kato E8 shells also.
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 12, 2010, 10:59:30 AM
Doesn't IMRC make a non-D/B F7?  Might not be that major a project after all if you graft the Kato passenger pilot onto an IMRC body, plus the IMRC units are DCC-ready.  Unloading the Kato F7s and substituting IRMC F7s might actually pay for a portion of the Kato E8 shells also.


I'm doubting that I'd get much for the Kato F units. Maybe I'm wrong.

The IMRC option is interesting, I wonder if IMRC has a passenger pilot F7 shell ... (they had announced N&W F7s, then cancelled them - were they gonna do them with freight pilots? ???)

I'm still leaning towards dumping them.

Mark
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Leggy on April 14, 2010, 12:20:20 AM
(http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/nw/nw3659awp.jpg)
(http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/nw/nw3661abp.jpg)
 All N&W F7's have passenger pilots?.... Those are two I found, maybe use those numbers and save yourself a ton of trouble and some cash.
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 14, 2010, 11:05:59 AM
I didn't say all ...

I am aware of those units.

I was targeting black units (these things wore 3 different N&W schemes)

Some were made by EMD, some were made by GMD (Canada). I haven't had time to see if that is the factor.

Mark
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Leggy on April 14, 2010, 11:15:57 AM
Ahh my bad, didnt mean to offend. IIRC it was who ordered them that dictated the pilot types rather than who built them. Did any of these or the E8's ever wear Tuscan Red?
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 14, 2010, 11:25:16 AM
Ahh my bad, didnt mean to offend. IIRC it was who ordered them that dictated the pilot types rather than who built them.

No problemo. I think you're right about those ordering, still though, why would Wabash order some with some without? One possible theory is they were damaged in wrecks, and re-fitted with freight pilots. After tax day I'll look into it.

Sandwiched between 3659 and 3661 is 3660, with passenger pilot
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/nw/nw3660adc.jpg

3657, 3666, 3667 and 3671 also have passenger pilots. I have a large collection of photos at home, gotta review it again. ;D

Did any of these or the E8's ever wear Tuscan Red?

No.

Mark
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Mark5 on April 29, 2010, 12:40:19 AM
I just got a crap load of N&W pix- Add 3662 to the ones with freight pilots (that makes 3!).

Officially though I am bailing on the F7s. I more relevant models to finish - I may go back to F7s again after I get most of my Pokey fleet done.

Mark
Title: Re: Mr Observant checking in - N&W F7s (Kato F7s content)
Post by: Robbman on April 29, 2010, 05:06:56 AM
Remind me like five thousand times and I'll get you the order numbers, etc on the F7 fleet