Atlas FP7A-Austria HO Scale

[fwdguy]

I just picked one of these up on EBAY MIB Burlington Northern for under 25 bucks. I have all the other ones offered at the time by Atlas/Austria but never got this one.

Any one have one of these, reviews or comments?

I have always enjoyed my other ones, they run smooth and are dependable.

Looking at the BN roster, I never knew BN had so many F units.

Mark

[jrbernier]

I have a pair - Milwaukee Road. BN had 2 FP7A's - ex NP engines.......

Jim

[Anonymous]

I have a pair of Milwaukee Road examples too - mine are boxed as " E R Models" who imported them for a while. They're fine locos, have a diecast frame, all wheel drive, a decent motor with flywheel, and are DCC-ready (there's a socket on the circuit board and plenty of space for a decoder). My only complaints would be the rear coupler (not enough room for a proper close-coupling mechanism) and the moulded-on handrails. Then again, I only paid £30 each for them brand new - less than an Athearn BB loco over here, and they're much better runners than any of my BBs.

[AntonioFP45]

I have one. When they came out in the 1970s, these were considered "Cream of the Crop" of plastic HO locomotives during that time period. Smooth runners that could pull heavy loads. This was back when Athearn Blue Box units dominated the market.
When running at speed, they don't growl but make a low "hum" sound that to me actually sounded pleasant.

If the mechanism is properly maintained, these units will go on like Energizer Bunnies!

[trolleyboy]

Nice units. The shells detailing is a bit dated to now a day's standards but as Antonio and Matt have said they will run forever. You can adapt Stewart,Intermountain, and highliner shells to fit the old Atlas drive,many many possibilities enjoy them. Rob

[jrbernier]

The FP7 is 4' longer than a standard F unit, so the basic Genesis/Intermountain shells are out. Intermountain is going to release both ph1 & ph2 FP7's later this year. I will buy one to see how it looks/runs(sound equipped).

Jim

[Nieuweboer]

I have two, both SP, bought them if I remember correctly somewhere in the late sixties. Had to exchange the motor in one for a Mashima motor because the Roco motor started to bind. They make a kind of growling sound, different form the Athearn growl and in my opinion not unpleasant and even not unlike a real diesel growl

[CNWSwede]

Interesting information - I have been looking for an FP7 mechanism - frame, motor, etc., to use under an FP7 CNW body I am getting.  Any suggestions?  Ron Palmquist, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

[Soo Line fan]

I have 5. 2 are of the latter drive. They run great on dc. 1 got a new mashima motor but the rest are stock except for leds and winter hatches etc. 

[Soo Line fan]

Ron,

I would look on ebay. They usually sell for 30 or so.

[Darth Santa Fe]

An ancient thread returns!

Pretty much any of the FP7 mechanisms out there are great. Intermountain and Genesis drives are going to be the best in this case, but the old Roco drive is bullet proof!

[CNWSwede]

Soo Line fan

I have 5. 2 are of the latter drive. They run great on dc. 1 got a new mashima motor but the rest are stock except for leds and winter hatches etc. 

 

[riogrande5761]

What is the old saying, YMMV.  I wanted a Western Pacific FP7A for years but I didn't care for the old Atlas Roco version - the number boards and side air grills didn't look very good, the coupler mountings couldn't be made close coupling either.  As others noted, very dated.  The newer Intermountain and Genesis are MUCH better but if you are satisfied, then you are the only person you need to please.