engines

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone knew what a 1950's FP7 and a FA-1???

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

The FP7 was a 1500 hp diesel built by Electro Motive Division of General Motors. It was intended as a "dual service" engine (i.e., suitable for both passenger and freight service) but was used by most roads which purchased it as a passenger engine.

The FA-1 was a 1600 hp diesel built by American Locomotive Co. Theoretically, it could have been used in "dual service", but just about all of these units were used for freight.

[ndbprr]

An FP-7 is also a little longer than a stock F7. Best spotting feature is a round water tank under the frame right behind the cab. Looks like a big 55 gallongdrum on its side. Purpose was to hold water for the train heating. i beleive it is 4' longer and would have had higher gearing than a freight F unless is was for dual pirpose and slower speeds were aqccptable. Other tha that it was pretty much a stock F7.

[Anonymous]

thanks but does any have any pictures of these two engines

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nedarb

thanks but does any have any pictures of these two engines

Nedarb,
Here's a link to a keyword search at the Index of Magazines:
http://index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&cmdtext=FP7&MAG=ANY
It had a lot of hits, perhaps you'll be equally lucky if you do a keyword search on the FA1.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[Sperandeo]

For pictures of FP7s, FA-1s, and every other North American diesel produced before 1972, see the Kalmbach book, "Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years," by Louis a. Marre. It's avaialble at hobby shops and online at the Shopping section of this web site.

By the way, the Alco FA-1 cab units and FB-1 boosters were rated at 1,500 hp, not 1,600. Alco stepped up the horsepower to 1,600 in its next carbody road diesels, the FA-2 and FB-2 (which Mr. Marre tells us were introduced in October of 1950).

so long,

Andy

[davekelly]

Hey Andy,

Your April issue was top notch. Good job.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Look in the Louis Marre books or any of the Morning Sun color books on the Rock Island. they had them both.
The FA-1s were mostly freight haulers but the Rock had a tendency to use everything for everything.
Rob