I saw a brass NYC F2A listed recently as "early 1960 era". What external changes or upgrades would there have been, if any, to distinguish one from when it was first released in '46?
The NYC only purchased two F2As from EMD (#1604 & #1605) for use with their four FTA-B sets when a FTA-B-B-A consist provided too much HP.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
One thing off the top of my head without any reference material immediately at hand is the application of grab irons, almost always on the engineer's side, so that access to the windshield could be made without the use of a ladder.
I don't recall the exact span of dates the ICC mandated Rule 232 but I believe the modification would have been completed by 1960*. On the Fs this involved a step added behind the pilot and grab iron rungs up the side of the nose just behind the numberboard.
Additional grab irons were added to the top of the nose and above the windshield on the cab roof.
NYC applied various spark arrestors in later years and the removal of the ATS shoe probably came in the mid-1960s as well. It is possible that the single-lamp headlight could have been upgraded to a Pyle twin sealed beam some time in the late '50s or early sixties. They only lasted until 1965 or so if I recall.
The 1605 retained its 'as built' general appearance (resembling an F3) while the 1604 was 'updated' with modified stainless air intake grilles, low roof fans and a large dynamic brake fan (resembling an F7). The 1604 was retired in June of 1962 and the 1605 lasted until fall of 1965.
*(The compliance date of revised rule 232 is postponed from January 1, 1959, to January 1, 1962, subject to the provision that not less than 33-1/3 percent of each railroad's locomotive units shall be brought into compliance not later than January 1, 1960, not less than 66-2/3 percent not later than January 1, 1961, and the remainder not later than January 1, 1962.)
Good Luck, Ed
Thanks for the info, Ed. The model looks more like an "as released", as I don't see any of the added features you mention above.