The range of 4 axle F Units produced by EMD are one of the most distinctive designs ever produced and most modellers find an excuse for one or more in their collections. I bought an Athearn model several years ago with no hesitation and no real consideration as to how it might match up to the prototype. As my interest in C&O prototypes grew I started looking to see how I could utilise the Athearn as a C&O loco. The C&O bought 80-odd F7 models and had three distinct variations. The first batch had no dynamic brakes (distinguished by having no forward fan in the plate just behind the horns in the picture), the second batch had a 36 inch fan and the last batch had a 48 inch fan. The Athearn model had a 36 inch fan so a number from the second batch was selected.
Having made this first decision I examined photographs of the prototype and compared the model with a view to deciding what changes might be needed. The main alterations were removing the steam heating outlets moulded into the roof and replacing the handrails with finer wire versions. A five chime horn was placed on the roof and a close representation of a C&O engine was waiting to be painted.
I decided to use the lettering scheme in the photos because a) it was different to the usual 'wave' schemes that C&O models are usually seen in and b) I had the decals to hand! I must admit that it was also easier to do the masking for the yellow stripe but I have Intermountain and Highliner kits on the shelf which will probably get finished in the 'low wave' scheme - the C&O often ran the two different paint types together judging by the photos available. (Then all I will need is a B unit and about 60 or so accurate 1960ish coal hoppers - a sad lack of a decent accurate model for us C&O modellers) After painting and decalling a set of DA etched side grilles and AMB laser cut windows helped to finish off. A good looking model that is not too far away from the prototype and with the pulling power of an ox - I think it is still the most powerful engine I own!
