EMD F7A-A Set

Wabash  Nos. 1144/1144A

The Most Prototypical F7 Models Ever Produced!

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.

Beginning in 1945, the basic design underwent a number of changes, resulting in the F2, F3 and F5 – but the arrival of the F7 in 1949 meant 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.

• 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
• Both A and B units powered
• 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 & under frame 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 number boards
• Bright sunny white LED lighting
• Separate, clear class lights
• Full cab interior w/crew figures
• Protomax insulated diecast magnetic knuckle couplers
• Full or partial fuel tank skirts to match prototypes
• Correct grab iron style & placement for each road name
• Freight, passenger or snowplow pilot
• All-new side frames 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

---