Prototype Spotlight: EMD F7 — The Covered Wagon That Won America
Prototype Spotlight: EMD F7 — The Covered Wagon That Won America
From the late 1940s through the ’50s, EMD’s F‑series diesels hauled everything from transcontinental passenger varnish to heavy manifest freights. The F7, with its bulldog nose and carbody “covered wagon” profile, became the face of dieselization.
Model It
- Athearn Genesis HO F7A (pre‑order) — exquisite details and Tsunami2 options.
- HO Diesel Locomotives — browse current stock.
- N Scale Locomotives — compact consists, long trains.
Upgrade Path
Want to add independent lighting or speed match AB sets? Drop‑in decoders make it easy: DCC Decoders. Need command control? Start here: DCC Systems.
Pre‑Order an HO F7 Shop Decoders
FAQs
What’s the difference between F7 and F9?
Externally subtle; internally the F9 had more horsepower and detail changes. Many roads rostered both.
Do I need two units?
Not required, but A‑B lashups were common. A single A will handle small layouts just fine.
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