CF-7

NO. Not at this time. You would have to "roll your own"

I once mentioned the CF7 to Mike Wolf, but he had never heard of it. I told him of the origins of the prototype, and how after the rebuilds, when Santa Fe sold them off to short lines, they seemed to pop up everywhere in many varied color schemes and road-names (so many, there was even a book about them). Seems like a perfect choice for a model to me. That was several years ago, and still none have appeared in a catalog. After this and the cancellation of the European Nohab, I guess what I like and what the market will support are different things.

Bill in FtL

They are running on the MA & PA line at York, at least they were.

Here is a "roll your own" by one of our club members. It started life as an older MTH GP9. The cab style, details, and paint job are all correct for this engine.

Chris

LVHR

Nice modeling job on #1503. The real CF7’s were rebuilt F-units, so they were shorter, but the model captures the flavor, even though geeps were longer than F’s. They had 2 style cabs, originally arch roof like the top of an f-unit, then later slab roofed like this model. Arch roof was dropped because the doors were too hard to make to match the arch. I’d be looking at one, even though I have no plans or need to ever buy any more O scale (maybe if LionChief). Make it in S with FlyerChief control and I’d be in in a heartbeat, especially in the right roadname!

Bill in FtL

I wouldn’t even know where to begin to build my own.  Any pointers for how he built the cab of the 1502?  

Gettimg an Old GP9 wouldn’t be an issue, just designing the cab.

1503 I should say.

Seems like an opportunity for someone into 3D printing.

A CF-7 is on my plans for the future, when?.  The short hood from a GE 23-7 ?,  frame rails from plastic channel iron? 

I have built a Santa Fe GP7u  and the cab is not hard to make.  You would need to move the cab forward and add more length or just add more cab length and move the windows forward.

Grady McKinley posted:

I wouldn’t even know where to begin to build my own.  Any pointers for how he built the cab of the 1502?  

Gettimg an Old GP9 wouldn’t be an issue, just designing the cab.

Someone on da bay sells the squared off cab. The short nose and frame you would have to build. The long hood would be from a geep.

Thanks for the tread. I once again learned something new. I did a little research on the CF7. It was interesting.

I had some ideas for one, but they have fallen by the wayside. In the process I was in touch with our late forum friend Ed Reutling, who I believe had made up drawings for them. Maybe somebody has more details?

If one were REALLY serious about having a 3 rail CF7, you could buy a Pecos River Brass model, and 3 rail it. PRB produced them with both cab styles.

mowingman posted:

If one were REALLY serious about having a 3 rail CF7, you could buy a Pecos River Brass model, and 3 rail it. PRB produced them with both cab styles.

You have to find one first. 

I seem to recall PRB imported the CF7's around 20 years ago.

Rusty

They show up on Ebay every now and them. I have seen at least 5 or 6 in the last year I believe. But, you really have to keep an eye out for them.

Nice modeling in the photos.

Personally, I despise CF7's and "Topeka cab" GP7's and GP9's.  But I do admire the modeling done by those who have built them, and there are many who find these Lou's Garage jobs intriguing.

mowingman posted:

If one were REALLY serious about having a 3 rail CF7, you could buy a Pecos River Brass model, and 3 rail it. PRB produced them with both cab styles.

The earlier cab style (it retains the F-unit roof shape and curve) is a far less awkward-looking loco. In fact, it looks no worse than most early road-switchers.

I'd like to have a CF-7, especially with the early cab, and I am capable of building either version, but it's just never risen to the top of the stack. Probably never will; I'd buy a reasonably-priced one. I have seen them in action somewhere in Louisiana, about 10 years ago, but I forget the name of the short line. I have photos, but where....?

I like 'em. 

D500 posted:

mowingman posted:

If one were REALLY serious about having a 3 rail CF7, you could buy a Pecos River Brass model, and 3 rail it. PRB produced them with both cab styles.

The earlier cab style (it retains the F-unit roof shape and curve) is a far less awkward-looking loco. In fact, it looks no worse than most early road-switchers.

I'd like to have a CF-7, especially with the early cab, and I am capable of building either version, but it's just never risen to the top of the stack. Probably never will; I'd buy a reasonably-priced one. I have seen them in action somewhere in Louisiana, about 10 years ago, but I forget the name of the short line. I have photos, but where....?

I like 'em. 

 

The Louisiana and Delta Railroad has had one or more CF7's for many years. It is painted in the G&W orange and black colors.

mowingman posted:

If one were REALLY serious about having a 3 rail CF7, you could buy a Pecos River Brass model, and 3 rail it. PRB produced them with both cab styles.

How would one go about converting one to 3 Rail?

I have no idea. However, I am sure that someone on this forum knows how to convert a DC, 2-rail model into a 3 rail model.  Besides new wheel sets, couplers, and end frame modifications, there would be some type of repowering required. That is way beyond my expertise.