Where'd the E & F Units go?

[Anonymous]

Does anybody know of any E or F units being used across the US, small or regional railroads? I'm planning a trip and looking to see some of these vintage diesels in action. They have a few E's here in Washington state on the dinner train. I'm looking for more units in daily action like LTV's mining, even though I guess those are now gone too. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks, Pete

[Anonymous]

Hi. The Indiana Transportation Museum at Noblesville In. has a F7 and FP7 in Monon colors.If you go to the NMRA website,it lists museums by state.

[eolafan]

Pete, the LTV mining operation in MN was the last and final use of F units in regular scheduled operation in the US (I am referring to freight). In New York, the Metro North people still use their remaining FL9 units in commuter service, but they are quickly being replaced by their version of the Genesis units (although equipped with third rail pickup shoes). Museums are quickly becoming the only place to see these wonderful machines. I highly suggest the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL (about sixty miles from Chicago). They have plenty of E and F units there, including BN1, 2 and 3, a set of Metra F-7 (ex CNW units) with a matched bi-level car set in operation, and a number of old CNW and MILW E and F units. The star of the show at IRM is the old CB&Q E-5 in stainlaess steel with a Zephyr trainset. Very much worth the trip. You may also want to consider a trip to the old Rock Island shops, now Chrome Crankshaft in Rock Island, IL where many of the old BN/Metra E9 units are/were being stored awating sale/scrapping. Hope this helps you. Jim, Aurora, IL

[Anonymous]

I believe the Royal Gorge RR still runs two E/F units on their very scenic tracks out of Canyon City, CO.

[BRAKIE]

R.J.Corman uses 2 FP7s on his dinner train in Bardstown KY.See www.rjcorman.com for information and to see a picture.If you are around Bellevue Oh,stop at the NPK&MR museum,they have a Wabash F7 that you can see and get into the cab.Outside of that I am unaware of any F units in daily operation on any short line.The Ohio Cetral owns some F7As&Bs,but I am not sure if they are still in service-see www.ohiocentral.com

[Anonymous]

Thank You everyone for your replies. I appreciate it very much. I figured I better plan a trip to see any of these units still running while I can right now & also check out the units in museums along the route.
Thanks again,
Pete

[Anonymous]

If you were planning on Northern MN to see the now inactive LTV F-9s, you may want to look at the Soo Line FP7 #2500 at the Lake Superior Transportation Museum in Duluth. One of the LTV 'A' units is supposed to be donated to that museum sometime soon, too. There's a little tourist line in Spooner, WI that uses a couple of F's painted in GN-live livery, too. Former CNW units, I believe. Hope this helps you plan your routing!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, we're driving thru Minnesota too and that will definitely make the trip. Leaving in a week, can't wait! Would really like to check out some Soo equipment to! My brother and I both got some time off from work. (Looks like we'll be bringing extra cash for film!) Thanks, Pete

[Anonymous]

Pete, if you're heading towards Michigan, in Traverse City, (a great vacation spot for the whole family), there is a dinner train/scenic train outfit that operates ex-BN F-units there!
It is called "The grand traverse". While you're in the area, camp at "Spring Lake Campground". It is a state forest campground with rustic facilities, and best of all, the Tuscola & Saginaw Bay RR. runs right through the campground!
Lots of other attractions in the area too. If you are not familiar with Michigan, get a map, but I'll get you headed in the right direction with these pointers. Head north on US.131 past Cadillac MI. (the birthplace of the Shay locomotive), about 18 miles north of there, look for a railroad overpass. The entrance to the campground is right there. About 5-7 miles south of the campground is where the F-units turn on the wye at Walton Jct. Good fishing there too!
Hope this helps, Todd C.

[cprted]

The Ontario Northland RR still has a large number of F7s on their roster. Also of interest, they are still using S2s, RS3s, RS10s, GP9s, for the first generation deisel fans out their. They also operate passenger service out of Toronto independant of Via Rail. Check out their website at http://www.ontc.on.ca/

[filmteknik]

Andrew Toppan maintains lists of where they all are:

http://www.railroadingonline.com/f-units/index.shtml

http://www.railroadingonline.com/e-units/index.shtml

[Anonymous]

The Monticello Railway museum in Monticello Illinois has a restored Wabash F7. I am not sure but I think they run trains every weekend during the summer. I don't know if the F unit runs every weekend but when it does you can run it yourself but it will cost you. They also have a MLW FPA4 painted in CN olive green and yellow,very nice. They also have several pieces of restored rolling stock. Monticello is located in the central part of the state.

[eolafan]

Pete, please see my recently added topic in this forum section regarding FL-9's on Metro North. Jim Shaw

[Anonymous]

If you ever come up to Canada, Canadian National owns four ex-Illinois Central E8As for special services, and Canadian Pacific owns two F7A's and an F7B for its "Royal Canadian Pacific" tourist service.