Athearn F7 Blue Box Sideframes

[doctorwayne]

SeeYou190

...One has metal sideframes where the sideframes actually support the axle. the other later version has plastic sideframes where there are square bronze (looking) bushings that support the axle....

You're right, Kevin, although the plastic sideframes have been around for some time now. 

The SWs that I posted above originally had cast metal AAR-type switcher sideframes, but I replaced them with cast metal Flexicoil sideframes from Juneco.
When I decided to re-paint and re-motor the locomotives, I bought the new style trucks and the plastic Flexicoil sideframes.
 
While they were better-detailed than the Juneco ones, I had to make some custom-cast lead weights to fit inside the plastic shell, in order to restore the locos' former pulling power.

Wayne

[SeeYou190]

BigDaddy

I found I have an old F7 that is missing the truck side frames. 

.

This is not that simple. There are two very different Athearn truck sideframes for this locomotive I am aware of.

.

One has metal sideframes where the sideframes actually support the axle. the other later version has plastic sideframes where there are square bronze (looking) bushings that support the axle.

.

There was also a rubber band drive F unit that I am not familiar with, so I do not know if it used a different sideframe from the early metal ones.

.

The Detail Associate sideframes will only replace the plastic later style Blue Box F unit sideframes with the bronze bushings on the axles.

.

-Kevin

.

[doctorwayne]

mbinsewi

Here's what Athearn has:

http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=f7+parts&CatId=THC

I think you want the Blomberg trucks.

Athearn says the F7a, GP7 and GP35 are the same.

Mike.

 

Mike is right, for an F-unit, the Blombergs are correct.

 

However, I have seen lots of photos of prototype of GP7s and GP9s with Flexicoils, usually units with smaller fuel tanks, meant for service on fairly light rail.

The Athearn Flexicoil sideframes will fit geep trucks and those on the old SW1500 (actually an SW7).  I used them on four re-motored SWs, and called them SW1200RS units - CNR and CPR used a lot of them, but with more road-specific details, such as number boards and class lights.  The real ones are probably my favourite EMD/GMD diesel.

 

Wayne

[PC101]

Yes to the above post. Don't forget the detail parts to go with the side frames. ''Brake cylinder and hanger set''.

In the Athearn part # ''42009 Blomberg side frame set'', the brake rigging is included. At least back in 12/20/97 at $4.50 they where.

[mbinsewi]

Here's what Athearn has:

http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=f7+parts&CatId=THC

I think you want the Blomberg trucks.

Athearn says the F7a, GP7 and GP35 are the same.

Mike.

[BigDaddy]

I found I have an old F7 that is missing the truck side frames.  Will the modern Athearn F7 sideframes fit a BB loco, or does anyone have a set lying around.

I looked on Ebay and I see

• Detail Assoc. EMD Flexcoil for C trucks
• Blomberg 'M' truck side frames
• Smokey Valley Flex-i-coil  C

I don't know one set from another,  thanks.