|
Proto 2000 HO Scale
EMD F7A Locomotive
DC Only Version
Prototype Information
Mainline freight service was the last stronghold for steam power in America. By the late 1930s, diesels had proven themselves as switchers and as power for the new streamlined trains, but there were doubts that they could ever be practical in freight service.
That all changed in late 1939 when EMD rolled out its brand-new FT locomotive. Borrowing some basic design elements from E series passenger power, but in a shorter, more powerful package, the demonstrator set out on a 35-state tour that covered nearly 90,000 miles. Railroads were amazed at what this single A-B-B-A lash-up with its incredible 5400 horsepower could do, and orders came quickly. With its proven track record, EMD was the only builder allowed to construct road diesel power during the materials shortages of World War II.
Starting in 1945, the basic design underwent a number of changes, resulting in the F2, F3 and F5. But with the arrival of the F7 in 1949, EMD had exactly what the railroads needed to begin dieselizing with a vengeance. The F7 retained the 1500 horsepower 567B prime mover of the F3, but with better electrical equipment, it had a tonnage rating some 30% greater than the earlier model. The units could be geared for freight or passenger service, and were equally at home in either assignment. Over the next four years EMD built over 2200 A and 1400 B units, which were delivered in a rainbow of schemes to nearly every railroad in America. Tough and durable, many soldiered on into the early 70s and several have been preserved.
Model Information
Totally new from rail to roof, Walthers set out to make the Great Northern PROTO 2000 F7s the most prototypical replicas ever produced, with authentic GN-style:
Snowplow Pilot
Three-Chime Air Horns
Winterization Hatch
Roof-Mounted Cooling Coil
Steam Generator Air Intake
Roof Air Vent
Correct Style & Location of Grab Irons & Ladder Stand-Offs on Nose
Radio Antenna
Paint & Lettering to Match Walthers Empire Builder Cars
Model Features
All-New Drive
14:1 Gear Ratio for Easy Multiple-Unit Operations
Helical Gears for Ultra-Quiet & Smooth Running
Five-Pole, Skew-Wound, High Torque, High Efficiency Can Motor
Heavily Weighted for Maximum Traction
Painted Metal Grab Irons, Ladder Stand-Offs, Handrails & Lift Rings
Correct Coupling Distance Between A & B Units
Most Authentic Bulldog Nose Ever Done
Correct Windshield Slope
Roof Panel Weld Lines
Correctly Sized Bolt Heads
Complete Scale Fuel Tank w/Hangers, Battery Box, Air Tank & Underframe Detail
Working Headlight w/Bezel & Recessed Lens
Working Mars Light as Appropriate - Works on DC or DCC
With or Without Dynamic Brakes to Match Prototypes
Correct Style Lighted Numberboards
Bright Sunny White LED Lighting
Separate, Clear Class Lights
Full Cab Interior w/Crew Figures
New Insulated Diecast Magnetic Knuckle Couplers
Full or Partial Fuel Tank Skirts to Match Prototypes
Correct Grab Iron Style & Placement for Each Roadname
Freight, Passenger or Snowplow Pilot
All-New Sideframes w/Road Specific Journals & With or Without Speed Recorder
Nose Lift Rings as Appropriate
Operating Diaphragms as Appropriate
Etched Metal Farr or Horizontal Grilles
Visible Details Behind Grilles & Under Fan Covers
Great Northern
"Empire Builder" Paint Scheme
Road # > 268-A
DC Only Version
MSRP $139.95
Your Price Only $99.95
MTW Part #PR-920-40590 |
.gif)