Description
EMD F7 Ph I
T
heF7 was the fourth model in GM-EMDs successful line of F unit locomotives, and
by far the bestselling cab unit of all
time. In fact, more F7s were built than all other F units combined. It succeeded
the F3 model in GM-EMDs F unit sequence, and was replaced in turn by the F9.
Final assembly was at GM-EMDs La Grange, Illinois plant or GMDs London,
Ontario facility.
The F7 differed from the F3 primarily in internal equipment
(mostly electrical) and some external features. Its continuous tractive effort
rating was 20% higher (e.g. 40,000 lb (18,000 kg) for an F7 with 65 mph (105
km/h) gearing, compared to 32,500 lb (14,700 kg) for an F3 with the same
gearing.)
A total of 2,366 cab-equipped lead A units and 1,483 cabless-booster
or B units were built. (Note: the B unit is often referred to as an F7B,
whereas the A unit is simply an F7. For clarity, BLI refers to A units as
F7A.)
Many F7s remained in service for decades, as railroads found
them economical to operate and maintain. However, the locomotive was not very
popular with yard crews who operated them in switching service because they were
difficult to mount and dismount, and it was also nearly impossible for the
engineer to see hand signals from a ground crew without leaning way outside the
window. As most of these engines were bought and operated before two-way radio
became standard on most American railroads, this was a major point of
contention. In later years, with the advent of the road switchers such as the
EMD GP7, F units were primarily used in through freight and unit train
service where there was very little or no switching to be done on that line of
road.
FEATURES
NEWParagon3 Sound & Operation
System FEATURING
ROLLING THUNDER with
Authentic Sounds and Prototypical Operation in both DC and DCC environments
Constant Intensity Directional Lighting with Prototypical
Headlight
All-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Electrical Pick-Up
Equipped with Traction Tires
LocomotiveComposition: ABS with Die Cast
ChassisCouplers: (2) Operating MicroTrains #1015 or
CompatibleCompatible
Tracks: Code 55, 70, 83, & 100
Rail
Minimum Operating Radius: 9.75 in
