Walthers EMD F7 HO Engine

[mrmahone]

Hello!  I have been in the process of working with my two sons in building their interest in the model train hobby.  They want a DCC F7 Burlington Engine, and I have the issue of MR where they gave one a favorable review.  Has anyone had good/bad experience with this?  It is part of their Mainline series.  I see the sound is provided by Soundtraxx, but nothing specific (Tsunami, Tsunami 2, etc...).  Thank you for any help, I don't want to get an engine and disappoint, it is so rewarding to see young kids embrace this hobby instead of just tablets and video games!

[tstage]

I assume you are in HO?

I'm sure Walthers Mainline series locomotives are fine.  Personally, I would go with a Stewart/Bowser F7.  Their drivetrains are 2nd to none and run as smooth as glass.  The detailing is good but can be spruced up quite nicely with the metal Cal Scale detail kits, which can be done at a later time.

Sound could easily be added to the B-unit - i.e. if you are up to installing it yourself.  TCS has an installation pictorial on their website that looks like a drop-in pretty straightforward.  That might be a fun teaching project for the boys?

Proto 2000 also makes a Burlington F7.  The detailing is more delicate though.  They may also have one with sound.

Having said that, if you are just wanting to buy a locomotive RTR with sound, the Walthers F7 will probably be a good runner for you and your boys.

HTH...

Tom

[riogrande5761]

I second the Stewart Bowser F7's.  The Stewart F's can be found on the secondary  market on eBay or train shows, often in the $40-60 price range.  You will see them on eBay also for insane prices but just scroll past those fantasy sales.

The Stewarts have nice smooth quiet KATO drives and just a few parts to apply, like the truck hangers and brake cylinders and roof horns, all press fit.

[SPSOT fan]

I can't think of any potential issues with the WalthersMainline F7. If I recal correctly the model was made quite recently, so it should run pretty well, most modern engines are nice and quiet as well as reliable.

I have noticed from looking at some pictures that sometimes WaltherMainline stuff leaves out alot of seperatly applied details such as grab irons found on higher end models, but they make drill starter holes for them so adding detail should be easy to do.

If anyone is interested in the MR review I found it here!

I will add the F7 is a very common type of locomotive, so it is possible you could find a Burlington model from a different manufacturer. That's not to say the WaltherMainline model is not worth it, just you may want to look around a bit. I will add if anyone is looking for an N scale Burlington F7 I know Kato did one recently (this is not directed to the OP nessesarily as he seems to be in HO).

Good Luck!

[BigDaddy]

riogrande5761

The Stewart F's can be found on the secondary market on eBay or train shows, often in the $40-60 price range. You will see them on eBay also for insane prices but just scroll past those fantasy sales.

Agreed. 

I don't see any Stewart Burlington F7's even if I search sold.  The OP or his sons, may not be up to the task of painting and detailing an undecorated loco, not to mention installing DCC.

[tstage]

Henry,

Yep...but thought I'd mention it as an option - i.e. in the event that it might add a desirable teaching element to the hobby for the OP's sons.

I found a Stewart Burlington F7A-B set yesterday on eBay.  There were 2 days left on the auction and it was just under $100.

Tom

[mrmahone]

Thank you everyone for your help! I ended up taking the plunge with the Walthers F7 (Trainworld ran a sale with free shipping.... no local hobby stores have much train stock near me). I checked the eBay recommendation.... great suggestion, however after getting decoders, sound chips, etc.... I figured I would rather get a train moving around the track to excite the kids and move onto theming. It is for a HO setup.... we have a N setup as well that is themed around Amtrak. I love this forum!