Fixing the pilot on an MTH F7

Getting the 2R pilot from MTH is pretty much out of the question. I don't recall anyone on this forum or anywhere else for that matter ever being able to get just the part from MTH. If they did, maybe they can share the secret

I converted an MTH F unit the same way I did my MTH dummy units. Cut off the mounting tabs from the pilot, cut off the off the tab on the truck block, build a spacer from styrene either .080, .100, or .125 thickness depending on how close you want the pilot to the rail. Assemble a Kadee 740 or 805, modify the draft gear box for clearance using the bench grinder, attach the coupler to the pilot with screws, then attach that whole assembly to the frame.

Theres always adapting the great P&D Hobbies pilot, too. 

The best work with attasching pilots has been done on this forum by LOS (above), John Sethian, Dave F., Hot Water, Keith (C&O / Mich & Ohio) and Santiago, just to name a few. Between them, they've cover MTH, Lionel, Williams and Atlas covered wagons. 

A quick advanced search should come up with a lot of info.

My tip... attach the spacer to the pilot and work on it as a single unit, making the conversion a two-piece build, rather than a three piece system With a separate spacer. 

What I'm looking to do is lower my MTH Fs so a spacer isn't needed, a la the Lionel Fs. 

One last tip, its addicting and all Doug's fault. 

It is addicting. Once you have a fixed pilot in your fleet you want to convert all of them.

Mario, do you make the spacer for the MTH F units?

This maybe a little over my head....

Doug, your F units look great!  I don't suppose you do side work for paying customers?

No spacer for the F units... the curves are too much for the printer, which treats them as a series of straight lines. 

The way to go is either through the way Doug did it, fabricating the spacer, or the way John Sethian did, and lowering the bodies. You must choose wisely. 

I have not done an MTH F unit... yet. 

One step at a time. We're right here with you.

PS- I choose lowering them. The Fs can't be as bad as the PAs. 

Hey guys, there is a German company selling  EMD scale pilots for the F units. Looks pretty good. Just google, O scale F7 pilot.

Check it out, $39.00 plus shipping, about $7.00.

eBay #

Scratchbuilder1-48 posted:

eBay #

 

161257264768

Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.

Interesting. 

Scratchbuilder1-48 posted:

eBay #

 

161257264768

Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.

Does anyone else think this is a bit pricey?

Absolutely not. It helps one avoid a lot of work and looks pretty good.