Hi all,
i couldnt find any topics on here so if I missed it please let me know. But Was wondering if you could provide some insight or point me to where i can find it but i have seen F3 made by Lionel with the roof fans higher than other models. Are these known as EMD or is there a reason why the fans were made this way? Also how would i identify which lionel F3 were made this way? I know MTH has them and I usually see it stated that they are EMD.
thanks
Tony
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The scale F-3 locos have the tall roof fans, like the real ones.
The flat roof fans are actually found on real F-7 locos. Lionel made the F-7 style roof fan on their traditional size F-3 locos starting in 1948/49.
F3 (phase IIa)
F7(phase I)
The latest Classic Trains has extensive coverage on F-Units from FT to FL9. Worth a look.
Rusty
According to Jeff Wilson's book, F UNITS The diesels that did it, the high fan shrouds were used on F3's until December 1947 when the low profile fans came into use. The most apparent difference between a Phase IV F3 and an F7 was the introduction of a dynamic brake fan on the roof between the forward portholes on the F7 in place of the rectangular screened openings of the F3.
According to the book, F3 production ran from July 1945 through February 1949. F7's were produced from November 1948 through August 1952.
The Reading units are F7, the Lackawanna units are F3. Steamtown, Scranton, PA.
F3 roof foreground, F7 background.
Very good chance the roof fans have been altered through the life of these units.
The scale F-3 locos have the tall roof fans, like the real ones.
The flat roof fans are actually found on real F-7 locos. Lionel made the F-7 style roof fan on their traditional size F-3 locos starting in 1948/49.
I've read that certain things were done by Lionel when these F-3 body shells were designed in order to make them more durable (they were toys, after all, and designed for use by young people). That was the reason for the narrower front window openings, and perhaps having fans that didn't stick up and invite breakage was another modification that was made.
This F3 set had the high fans.
And they PULL like a team of mules. I credit the pulling power to the weight. These babies are HEAVY.
You get a better view of the fans on this B-unit.
I just sold this exact A-B-B-A set to a forum member last month.
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