Modeling GA RR, A & WP, WOA, FP7's

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I am starting a new layout and I am plannng on modeling the Georgia RR - The Georgia, along with the Atlanta & West Point, and Western Railway of Alabama ran a fleet of FP7’s with various modifications but, were all pretty close to the same.

In researching available F style HO Locos the FP7’s aren’t there. Can a anyone explaain the physical differences in the series ex. F3, F5, F7, etc?

Can anyone recomend a current locomotive availble in DCC to model from?

Thanks

Larry

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Larry, the FP units are noticeably longer than other Fs to make room for expanded water tanks/steam generators for heating passenger trains. I have no experience on which to judge their accuracy but I’ve learned a lot from these Wikipedia sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_F3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_F7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_FP7

I recently purchased some InterMountain FP7s and am happy with them. But I just noticed that Athearn Genesis has FP7s in the same road (Milwaukee) coming out this fall, so if budget constraints permit I’ll be able to comment on the differences later on.

Hope that’s of some use–

Dean

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Hi Dean -

Thanks for the reply and useful information. I am still a little early in my layout as I haven’t begun benchwork yet. You know how it is all of these thoughts of preperation go through your head.

I have some older F3’s (I think) from a layout I built about 10 years ago. This was the days before DCC really took a hold and these units are DC and to be honest the quality is not up to the standard I desire. As I build this new layout, and I am anticpating my last (I am 63), I want to step up to the world of DCC and the wireless controls is of intrest.

I have Robert Hanson’s book “History of the Georgia Railroad”. The Diesel roster lists 1 F3 #1001 and 4 FP7’s #1002 - 1005 (1005 was acquired from A & WP #502)

So I could use one of the new Proto F3’s that just came out and I can wait on the Athearn Genesis FP7’s and see what they offer.

BTW - I hope you are a Georgia Bulldog Fan and not one of those others. GO DAWGS!

Thanks

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You’re most welcome, Larry. And I sure do know just what you mean about the preparation thoughts. I’ve only been re-interested in model trains for the past year or two and am still letting ideas percolate about how and when to actually set something up. In the meantime I’ve been acquiring locomotives and rolling stock that catches my fancy. Rather too much has done so and now I have a fairly motley mix, but like you I’m finding myself increasingly interested in the very nicely detailed stuff and in DCC.

Have you browsed eBay for Georgia Railroad items? I periodically browse for whatever’s listed under road names of interest to me, and have found some good deals that way. Also much temptation to purchase things I’d previously been unaware of.

As for my “Bulldog Fan” name, it’s actually not a sports reference at all… I like the “bulldog” noses on the EMD E and F units–they just look to me like locomotives are supposed to look. Same concept for my photo icon–that’s the grille of a Farmall M tractor, built in the 40s or 50s, and to me they look like farm tractors are supposed to look. (Not coincidentally, the sheet metal on those old Farmall tractors was designed by Raymond Loewy, same industrial designer who pioneered a lot of the streamlined railroad designs).

Dean

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Thanks Dean-Enjoyed the comments - I see where you are about the Bulldog thing - cool.

Good luck with your future layout.

Larry