A question for CN modelers

Well, nothing like a little research to answer my first question.  Now it's more specific.  How many orders did CN put in for F7s?  I know the road numbers were 9028-9142 (even) for A units and 9029-9063 (odd) for B units.

So for anyone who is interested an F7A would be designated as GFA-415a (G = GM, F = Freight, A = cab unit, 4 = number of axles, 15 = HP / 100, a = group as delivered)  The only question left for me is how many subclasses of F units were purchased by CN. 

Research is a wonderful thing.

Although I worked for CN I can't answer your question. Most crew members go by engine numbers and  not  F7s etc . Most of us wouldn't know a FA from a PA. Give us a engine  number and then it's a different story.

The road numbers I am looking at would be 9032 / 9033 and 9046 / 9047 as correlating F7A and F7B units.  These ran fairly late in to CN as I understand it, but I am certainly no expert.

I can't help you at this moment with the suffix letter, but I can tell you that the [ number of ] axles designator was not added until later, perhaps by the time these units were retired or rebuilt in the early-mid '70's, and then only for newer or rebuilt units [ as I recall ];  thus, GFA-15x

I have no idea where my early '70's CN roster stuff is, regrettably.

Best, SZ, aka 'Mr Organized"

The info on the later addition of the axle numbers is very valuable.  Thanks for the info SZ!

Here's a site with pictures and designations of most of the CN F7 variants with CN designations.

http://www.cnrphotos.com/galle....php?g2_itemId=13251 

I used it to select my prototypes for P&D F7 A and B units detailed and painted for me in "late zebra stripe" by Dan Darnell of George's trains.  I chose 9152 (GFA-15a) and 9193 (GFB-17a).

HTH

Pete

Pete,

The photo of the CN Green F7 is priceless and answers all my questions.  Thanks so much!

According to the CNR Historical Association website:

CNR 9032   Blt 5/51  Class GFA-15b       9033 same but GFB

CNR 9046   Blt 7/51          "          9047       "

  Note that these were the class designations after the 'new' system went into effect in 9/54.  The as-built classes were V-1-A-b   and V-1-B-b respectively.

   The classes referred to by Pete M reflect the post-rebuilding and renumbering F7AU era of course.

Best, SZ

Jonathan: You're welcome!

SZ: Correct. I am pretending that these two "late models" survived and were acquired by my modern short line in Southern Ontario. Used to get a few odd looks, but now that OSR has 3 FP9s pulling multis around here I look a bit more prototypical

http://railfan.thegrebs.com/va...014.JPG?m=1419552229 

Pete M