trainsBuddy what do you mean about modeling it, do you mean cutting out window and have engineer behind it?
You don't need to cut or add engineer (but you could) but moving it around without an A unit would be prototypical say for adding or removing power at the engine terminal.
As for the paint? You could do a small square of primer where the light was and leave it? Sometimes the shops do things part way and often you will find primered areas that they just haven't painted yet. Just some thoughts?
Yes, engineer is on right side of engine.
Bob
Thanks for useful info. Is engineer's a right side of the train. That's interesting, I was wondering if B units can be controlled seperately. Incidentally, what do you mean about modeling it, do you mean cutting out window and have engineer behind it?
I wonder why did Norfolk Southern had two back up lights on their B units. That's how I modeled one of my GN, and I decided to leave it this way. I did remove light from my A that I put incorectly and installed it per prototype. Now I need to figure out how to paint the spot left behind. What sort of paint do I need, and do I need to prime the area - there some bare plastic and some glue left behind.
Not only did they have the rear light in the B units they also had a control stand right inside the rear side door, engineers side, you used/opened the porthole window to see for your movement. They could be operated without an A unit attached. You could model this with a powered B unit.
The back-up light is clearly visible in this shot of ex-GN B-unit # 474B in BN colors. (and on the unit in front of it too.) There was only one, placed just where you see it.
http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/EMDORIG/F9B/851.HTM
Complete roster changeover info can be found here.
http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/ROSTER.HTM
Look carefully and you will see a mounting bracket for a backup light to the left of the passage door.
http://www.greatnorthernempire.net/index2.htm?GNEGNDieselRosterF7BF.htm
Thanks. I was looking at this site, but I don't see pix of B unit anywhere.
Here is a link to Fallen Flags, GN.
http://www.greatnorthernempire.net/index2.htm?GNEGNDieselRosters.htm (go to locos, diesel and click on any of the pics)
The website is full of pics and info that should help you out.
If you want these back up lights operable, you may need to grind away a slot or portion of the weight to accomadate the wiring. I need to do this on the Stewart/Bowser Fs.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Hello everyone, since this is my first post let me introduce myself.
Just recently ventured into the Hobby. Always loved trains and dreamed about having a large set as a kid. Just recently, by accident, discovered that MR is a such a big hobby and already acquired Walther's F7 units along with Digitrax Zephyr starter set.
I have a question about the location of the back up light on Great Northern F7s. I have searched Internet far and wide for pictures of the rear of the GN F7 A and B units rear. I found various B units, but none from GN. I modeled after restored Norfolk Southern B units where two backup lights appeared in the middle of the B unit to either side of the back door. That's how i installed them on my F7B unit, I started with Booster before attempting A unit. I installed one back up light on the front right side (facing A unit), also in the middle.
Well, I later DID find a picture of the GN F7 A unit and it appears they had just one light on the left side installed on the third and fourth rib from the top, not middle :( I assume F7B setup was the same? I'm sort of upset now, cause I really wanted to make my ABA set realistic. So is it totally unrealistic to have such a light setup on the Great Northern unit? If so, I might attempt to remove lights with the de-bonding solution I got at a LHS.
Does anyone know what was backup light setup on the F7B units for the GN? Also I noticed that in some of the pictures B units where running "backwards" with A units. Did it ever mattered to the railroads how to run B units, or was it just done for aesthetics most of the time.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!