Diaphrams on B&O F Units

[Anonymous]

OK B&O fans, I need a little help. I'm modeling the B&O in the transtion era and I need to know if they used diaphrams between the F units. I have looked at a ton of pictures, but none of them are from the back, mostly nose shots.

I've seen the use of diaphrams on other roads F units and was wondering if they were railroad specific, or if every F unit from EMD come with them.

Also, did the B&O use them?

I have a whole fleet waiting[:D]

[Anonymous]

I think every F was delivered with diaphragms - at least, from the photos I've seen. I would guess that maybe they were removed (or just unused?) as Fs began to be run with other units - when the era of ABBA sets ended.

If you're using Athearn Blue Box F7s, I've found a way of closing the gap between units that might be of help to you. By trimming the coupler mounting pad it's possible to move the Kadee #37 back - I managed to get it fitted so the back of the coupler head is about level with the moulded diaphragm (only the coupler head protrudes beyond this point). The loco will still handle sharp curves with no problems at all, and looks very good. Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

I only have Stewart F units so I can close couple them with the Kadee 450's.

Thanks for the information. I'll start installing at once.

[dharmon]

I use the American Limited Models diaphrams and close coupling kit on my F units and have had no problems with them.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/147-6100