* 14:1 Gear Ratio for Easy
Multiple-Unit Operations
PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD F7 Powered
w/Sound & DCC &
Standard
DC
Limited
Run
Expected
3/28/2010
* Helical Gears for Ultra-Quiet & Smooth
Running
* Five-Pole, Skew-Wound, High Torque, High
Efficiency Can Motor
* Heavily Weighted for Maximum Traction
* Both A&B Units Powered
* Painted Metal Grab Irons, Ladder Stand-Offs,
Handrails & Lift Rings
* Correct Coupling Distance Between A & B
Units
* Most Authentic Bulldog Nose Ever Done
* Correct Windshield Slope
* Roof Panel Weld Lines
* Correctly Sized Bolt Heads
* Complete Scale Fuel Tank w/Hangers, Battery Box,
Air Tank & Underframe Detail
* Working Headlight w/Bezel & Recessed Lens
* Working Mars Light as Appropriate - Works on DC
or DCC
* With or Without Dynamic Brakes to Match
Prototypes
* Correct Style Lighted Numberboards
* Bright Sunny White LED Lighting
* Separate, Clear Class Lights
* Full Cab Interior w/Crew Figures
* Proto MAX(TM) Metal Knuckle Couplers
* Full or Partial Fuel Tank Skirts to Match
Prototypes
* Correct Grab Iron Style & Placement for Each
Roadname
* Freight, Passenger or Snowplow Pilot
* Sideframes w/Road Specific Journals & With or
Without Speed Recorder
* Nose Lift Rings as Appropriate
* Operating Diaphragms as Appropriate
* Etched Metal Farr or Horizontal Grilles
* Visible Details Behind Grilles & Under Fan
Covers
* Available with Dual Mode QSI Sound & DCC
Sound and DCC-equipped models can be operated on
either DC or DCC layouts, and feature authentic
model 567 prime mover recordings that include
exhaust, improved throttle notching and transition
sounds for change in traction motor electrical
connection during acceleration, road-specific horn
tone to match prototype, bell, squealing brakes,
doppler effect, air let off and much more.
Mainline freight service was the last stronghold
for steam power in America. By the late 1930s,
diesels had proven themselves as switchers and as
power for the new streamlined trains, but there
were doubts that they could ever be practical in
freight service.
That all changed in late 1939 when EMD rolled out
its brand-new FT locomotive. Borrowing some basic
design elements from E series passenger power, but
in a shorter, more powerful package, the
demonstrator set out on a 35-state tour that
covered nearly 90,000 miles. Railroads were amazed
at what this single A-B-B-A lash-up with its
incredible 5400 horsepower could do, and orders
came quickly. With its proven track record, EMD was
the only builder allowed to construct road diesel
power during the materials shortages of World War
II.
Starting in 1945, the basic design underwent a
number of changes, resulting in the F2, F3 and F5.
But with the arrival of the F7 in 1949, EMD had
exactly what the railroads needed to begin
dieselizing with a vengeance. The F7 retained the
1500 horsepower 567B prime mover of the F3, but
with better electrical equipment, it had a tonnage
rating some 30% greater than the earlier model. The
units could be geared for freight or passenger
service, and were equally at home in either
assignment. Over the next four years EMD built over
2200 A and 1400 B units, which were delivered in a
rainbow of schemes to nearly every railroad in
America. Tough and durable, many soldiered on into
the early 70s and several have been preserved.
