Finally changing to HO from N, question on Genesis F7

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am new to HO from N scale. I am considering buying several Genesis F7 units, without sound, and am wondering if there has been any major problems with them mechanically. Also, do any of the new KD whisker couplers like the 148 etc fit the F& AB units. Thanks

2

Best F units money can buy, excluding brass.

3

I own several Genesis F-units, both F3As and Bs and F7As and Bs. I have not experienced any mechanical problems with any of them, myself. I can’t say about the whisker couplers, for I am currently using Kadee # 58s. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with them, though. Enjoy!

4

I have one of the SF F3s, which uses the same tooling as the F7. It’s one of my smoothest and quietest runners, and besides a slight chirping in the motor at slow speeds, it’s been very reliable.[:D] Out of all the high quality diesels I own (Proto, Atlas, Kato, Spectrum), it is the best detailed and best looking.[:D] When I first got it, I put it next to a Blue Box F7, and there was such a difference in detail quality, I couldn’t stop smiling for probably 5 minutes.[:D] The coupler boxes are designed for McHenry couplers, so the Kadee Whiskers should fit fine. Be sure to use a longer one on the front, and a shorter one on the back, instead of standard length couplers.

I did a review of the F3 right after got it. Here’s a link to it, incase you want to read about it.[:D]
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/767484/ShowPost.aspx

5

I have had no problems with the mechanics of the Genesis F units (don’t even ask about the junky SD70xs).

IF as whisker is going to work for the front of the A unit it will be the #156. The official conversion is a #36. I have found that using the provided coupler box they want to hang, making them too low on a coupler height gauge. I would think the whiskers might be even worse. I would have to look for certain, but I believe using the coupler box that comes with the #30 one can set the height easier - but it is definitely not a whisker.

6

I bought a set of A-B Genesis Rio Grande F-3’s for my California Zephyr and couldn’t be happier with them. Very powerful, very smooth running, VERY NICE slow speed and control. And the detail seems very nice. These are my first diesels (except for BLI E-7’s) and I give them a very high rating. My only complaint is that they’re not the original Rio Grande black and yellow scheme, but–hey–sometimes you can’t have everything, LOL!

Tom