I recently got my hands on a set of the old Athearn F7A & B units. I decided that the locos looked very plain and needed some extra detailing so I purchased a Walthers dress-up kit for the 2 and got to work. After doing quite a bit of research and some very fine drilling, I think the locos look much better now. On the prototype, there were also climbing irons up the one side of the A-unit's nose, but I am undecided whether I to add those or not - the dress-up kit does not show this detail.
The other items which I did to match the prototype was to extend the silver of the grill along the side and paint the silver kickplates on the doors of the locos. The horns on the locos are not true to those which Santa Fe had, but I have not seen any other models with the correct horns, so decided to stick with the horns which were supplied. I still have to fit new lights inside and the DCC decoder, etc. before the units are complete. I am also looking for some suitable diaphragm kits to add to these locos, so any advise would be appreciated.
Info on the below photos.
1. The Athearn F7A unit as it comes in the box.
2. A side view after detailing - note the extended silver grill on the side.
3. View showing more of the nose
4. The F7B unit with the dress-up kit fitted.
The other items which I did to match the prototype was to extend the silver of the grill along the side and paint the silver kickplates on the doors of the locos. The horns on the locos are not true to those which Santa Fe had, but I have not seen any other models with the correct horns, so decided to stick with the horns which were supplied. I still have to fit new lights inside and the DCC decoder, etc. before the units are complete. I am also looking for some suitable diaphragm kits to add to these locos, so any advise would be appreciated.
Info on the below photos.
1. The Athearn F7A unit as it comes in the box.
2. A side view after detailing - note the extended silver grill on the side.
3. View showing more of the nose
4. The F7B unit with the dress-up kit fitted.
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