World War II had called for locomotive manufacturers to adhere to production guidelines as set by the War Production Board. With the war's end in 1945, EMD, like other major competitors, worked hard to meet industry demand after four years of restricted supply. In the freight cab market, EMD released their F-series. The F-3 headlined the series, debuting in the summer of 1945, a few months before the official end of the war.
By 1949, despite the fact that the F-3 had become EMD's all-time selling carbody diesel (over 1,800 were produced) it was replaced with the F-7. The F-7's closely resembeled the F-3 sharing their smooth faced pilots and coupler shrouds. In fact the last F-3s to be built differed in appearance from F-7s with a pair of rectangular roof openings to discharge air from the dynamic brakes. Despite their similar appearances, the F-7, initially rated at 1,500 horsepower, became the all-time selling carbody diesel with over 3,700 going to 49 different roads. They stayed in service until 1970 and assured itself in the railroad record books as a stalwart of diesel productivity.
EMD and Premier fans will no doubt want to add this stellar replica of the F-7 to their diesel rosters. Fully equipped with the power and performance of Proto-Soundr 2.0, the M.T.H. F-7 ABA diesel set will prove to be the finest running and most feature-infused carbody model yet produced.
Did You Know? Beginning in 1949, 3716 F-7 units were produced for 49 U.S. and Canadian railroads.
