Introduction

Rapido Trains 70198 HO ATSF Square Cab CF7 Unnumbered ex-ATSF Patch – DC

In the late 1960s, Santa Fes F-unit fleet was nearing the end of its lifespan. At the same time, Santa Fe was looking to fulfill a need for nearly 200 plus locomotives for use on secondary and branch lines. Santa Fe got creative in their thinking: remove the truss car body down to the engine deck and replace the truss members with large, deep side sills while fabricating stairs and GP7-like hoods suitable for switching, similar to other GP7-style locomotives currently in use. In late 1969, the first CF7 was rebuilt at Santa Fes Cleburne Shops, with 232 more through 1978. This would be one of the most successful locomotive rebuild programs of all-time.

Throughout the CF7 rebuild program, many variations did occur. Most notably were the cab profiles and the side sills. The CF7 had two distinctive cab profiles: round and angled. The large side sills had two variations, as well: open and closed slots. The open slots were found on earlier rebuilds, which featured stronger, Tri-10 steel. The closed slot sills were made with a lighter steel and had the openings filled to provide more support.

These venerable locomotives made their living on road and yard switching jobs. In the mid-1980s, many would be sold to regional and short line operators. Today, many CF7s continue to operate in California, Florida, Texas and more!

FEATURES:

• Five different cab variations
• Two different hood variations
• Open and closed sill assemblies
• Cannon and Company licensed 36 cap top radiator fan designs
• Incredible underbody details including piping, draft gear, sand lines and much more
• Etched grills and steps Heavy, die-cast chassis
• 5-pole motor with dual flywheels
• Working headlights, ground lights, number boards and beacons
• Separate grab irons and handrails
• Insane amount of roadnumber-specific details
• DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/Sound (ESU LokSound) options
• MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
• Suggested minimum radius: 18

Note: All renders and preliminary artwork are subject to revisions before production.