Hi everyone, I have a Lionel Legacy F-7 ABA set. I run in on a loop that has O72, O63 and O 54 curves. My question is about the pilot. I know it moves with the wheels for tighter radii layouts but with my wider radii, is there a way I could permantly attach the pilot to the frame without problems? If so, I would like to do it for both A units. Has anyone tried this successfully? Obviously it would look more authentic if it could be done. I thank all responders in advance.
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This can definitely be done! I'm in the process of doing all mine- it requires some good patience-- you'll need to fill the gap between the pilot and the bottom of the frame using some form of Plastruct material, which any hobby store carries. Get various widths so you can use it on other engines too.
Also will need some very strong CA (super glue) to hold everything in place. Also a dremel for scoring the prongs that hold the pilot to the truck. Once scored you can bend them off with pliers, but cut close to the pilot to eliminate the truck rubbing on the pilot. The Plastruct can be cut with a hobby knife and then shaped with the Dremel around the contours of the pilot to make it seemless.
paint to match...
I'm also installing Kadee's on all my engines to really make them pop. Looks so much better--
You can look at the front portion of the frame to see if there are any small holes you could use to secure the pilot to the frame with small screws, or again use the CA glue to hold the pilot in place.
I did it! and run ok using kadee even on 042 radius.
Andre.
Watch out Paul!!! You're crossing over to the 3RS world 
Most folks on the 3RS forum have done this to all their engines so you might want to go there and ask or search to see if someone has already posted a how-to.
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