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ATSF CF7 2472
I started with an Athearn CF7, decorated as ATSF 2496.
I added and modified details, and renumbered the unit to 2472.
I also replaced the lights with brighter LEDs and installed DCC.
Weathering is a combination of artist oils and powdered chalks.
I started with an Athearn CF7, decorated as ATSF 2496.
I added and modified details, and renumbered the unit to 2472.
I also replaced the lights with brighter LEDs and installed DCC.
Weathering is a combination of artist oils and powdered chalks.
Right: This photo of the prototype
2472 at the end of its days on
Santa Fe, circa 1988, is the
inspiration for my model. Thanks
to the photographer Andrew Koenigsberg for sharing this
image online.
CF7s are "Cleburne F7s" rebuilt
from carbody-style diesels (e.g.
F3s, F7s, and F9s) by Santa Fe's
Cleburne, TX shops. Santa Fe
forces fabricated a new
underframe and GP7-style long hood, while the cab section
retained some of its F-unit
heritage, such as the curved roof
profile. Many CF7s later received
angular cabs, though a few like
2472 left the roster still with the
original curved style.
2472 at the end of its days on
Santa Fe, circa 1988, is the
inspiration for my model. Thanks
to the photographer Andrew Koenigsberg for sharing this
image online.
CF7s are "Cleburne F7s" rebuilt
from carbody-style diesels (e.g.
F3s, F7s, and F9s) by Santa Fe's
Cleburne, TX shops. Santa Fe
forces fabricated a new
underframe and GP7-style long hood, while the cab section
retained some of its F-unit
heritage, such as the curved roof
profile. Many CF7s later received
angular cabs, though a few like
2472 left the roster still with the
original curved style.
Right: The added cab details are seen here. The factory-
applied cab numbers have been removed (though still in the
number boards, to be re-decaled later). The front platform paint
has been removed where the tall MU stand will be glued on.
The windows are masked off to protect them during painting and weathering. Yet to be masked are the nose top and the cab steps,
to be painted blue (see finished images above).
applied cab numbers have been removed (though still in the
number boards, to be re-decaled later). The front platform paint
has been removed where the tall MU stand will be glued on.
The windows are masked off to protect them during painting and weathering. Yet to be masked are the nose top and the cab steps,
to be painted blue (see finished images above).
I tried to copy the weathering seen on the prototype 2472, using
artists oils and powdered chalks fixed with Testors Dullcote.
Below: Some added details are visible here - The odd boxy thing at the rear
of the cab roof was made from the base of a GE-style A/C unit; the can-style
antenna sits on a half-circle ground plate made from 0.005" styrene.
artists oils and powdered chalks fixed with Testors Dullcote.
Below: Some added details are visible here - The odd boxy thing at the rear
of the cab roof was made from the base of a GE-style A/C unit; the can-style
antenna sits on a half-circle ground plate made from 0.005" styrene.
On both ends, I added Detail Associates tall
MU stands. The complex coupler cut levers are
made from Cal-Scale 682 parts with scratch-
made brass wire handles on each side.
On the front, I added a small window on the
engineer's side, below the Athearn stock window.
On the long hood, I added wire lift rings.
MU stands. The complex coupler cut levers are
made from Cal-Scale 682 parts with scratch-
made brass wire handles on each side.
On the front, I added a small window on the
engineer's side, below the Athearn stock window.
On the long hood, I added wire lift rings.
Below: For the protruding front sections of the fuel tank, I cannibalized some
Stewart F-unit shells and attached these bits onto the Athearn sidesill on each side.
Stewart F-unit shells and attached these bits onto the Athearn sidesill on each side.