SOO F7

[wjstix]

My Kalmbach "Diesel Locomotive Rosters" book from 1982 shows the Soo still had FP-7 500A, 502A, and 2500A on the roster, along with F7A 2201A. 2500A was eventually donated to "The Depot" in Duluth MN. They restored it to it's original maroon-and-gold 'pine tree' paint scheme, and use it on fantrips and dinner train trips on the North Shore Scenic RR: https://duluthtrains.com/

BTW the Soo's F units never had m.u. cables in the nose, only on the rear, so you would often see a multi-unit lash-up with F units on either end, both facing "out", with B units, GPs, Alcos, etc. stuck in between.

Soo Line Historical and Technical Society:

https://www.sooline.org/

 

 

[Ringo58]

mbinsewi

I'm a member of the SOO Line Historical & Technical Society FB group.  I asked the group, we'll see what I get for answers.

I'm guessing into 70's.

Mike.

EDIT:  The general consensus from the group, is into the late 70's.  They started dropping off the roster in 77 - 79 with the arrival of the new GP38's.

Also, 4 units remained in snow plow service until Jan. 85.

 

Thanks for the info! What is the group called on FB? I'm modeling the SOO and would like to join

EDIT: Found the page and your post, thanks again!

[mbinsewi]

I'm a member of the SOO Line Historical & Technical Society FB group.  I asked the group, we'll see what I get for answers.

I'm guessing into 70's.

Mike.

EDIT:  The general consensus from the group, is into the late 70's.  They started dropping off the roster in 77 - 79 with the arrival of the new GP38's.

Also, 4 units remained in snow plow service until Jan. 85.

[Ringo58]

How long did the SOO line use their F7s in freight service?