An EMD NYC F7B has recently been added to the N.Y.C.T.L. motive power fleet. While it did not get the fanfare of PC SD45 #6190 that was recently introduced it was another significant engine for my fleet.
The F7B is a Bachmann Plus ATSF model that I purchased used and 'as is' from my L.H.S. I ended up changing axles and fixing the coupler mounting assemblies. After that the unit performed flawlessly.
The factory paint was stripped using 91% alcohol purchased at a big box store. Rattle can black paint, Microscale Decals, Walthers Solvaset and Testor's Dullcote were used to convert the model into NYC #2423.
The New York Central purchased 55 F7Bs (2420 - 2474) from EMD between 1949 and 1951 to go along with their 238 F7As purchased during the same period. As delivered the NYC F7s wore the ultra classy NYC lightning stripe paint scheme. Early models had the lightning stripe ending a little more than 1/2 way down the sides. Later releases had the lightning stripes running all the way down the sides and included the B units. In the 1960s the fleet was repainted into the cigar band scheme which carried over into the Penn Central.
On the N.Y.C.T.L. much of my NYC equipment is in the lightning striped scheme which was no longer around at the time of the merger. Adding some cigar band paint scheme engines gives me the best of both worlds. These units can mix and match with the earlier NYC equipment or the later PC equipment. Like on the prototype they are a lot easier to paint.
The new NYC F7B #2423 part of this NYC cigar band A-B-A- consist gets ready for it's inaugural run.
Heading under the Deegan Expressway overpass with a significant coal train.
Thanks for reading and watching!
Another great addition to the fleet. I do like that paint scheme a lot. It doesn't look as fancy as their other schemes but it gives the appearance of lean and mean all work if that makes sense. They look like they were made to be pulling long coal trains. Very nice addition. Note - awfully clean looking to be pulling coal trains hint hint.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ed!!They worked well in their early tests. As for being too clean remember they just rolled out of the paint shop.Continued usage will have looking old and tired before long!
DeleteThe fleet keeps on growing! Great paint job as always. The cigar band is indeed a nice look, not too bold, and a classic look. Keep on rolling!
ReplyDeleteThanks 1:1 Sir Neal!
DeleteIt's fun to restore things that didn't used to run with a few parts! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks John! It's one of my favorite parts of the hobby.
DeleteRunning smooth and pulling that long train without a problem! Nice work on the restoration of the F7B...thanks for the background info on those units too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ralph!
DeleteSharp looking B unit!!! Looks great with your two cigar band A units. Really enjoyed your video of the train it was pulling. Classic NYC action at its best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian!!!
ReplyDelete