PREORDER Rapido HO 70196 Santa Fe CF7 with Square Cab Locomotive, Painted, Unlettered (Standard DC) | 237.45

The prototypes for the Rapido Trains HO Scale Santa Fe CF7 diesels are modeled after the locomotives rebuilt from EMD F7s into road switchers. In the late 1960s, Santa Fe{s F-unit fleet was nearing the end of its lifespan. At the same time, Santa Fe was looking to fulfill a need for nearly 200 plus locomotives for use on secondary and branch lines. Santa Fe got creative in their thinking: remove the truss car body down to the engine deck and replace the truss members with large, deep side sills while fabricating stairs and GP7-like hoods suitable for switching, similar to other GP7-style locomotives currently in use. In late 1969, the first CF7 was rebuilt at Santa Fe{s Cleburne Shops, with 232 more through 1978. This would be one of the most successful locomotive rebuild programs of all-time.

Throughout the CF7 rebuild program, many variations did occur. Most notably were the cab profiles and the side sills. The CF7 had two distinctive cab profiles: round and angled. The large side sills had two variations, as well: open and closed slots. The open slots were found on earlier rebuilds, which featured stronger, Tri-10 steel. The closed slot sills were made with a lighter steel and had the openings filled to provide more support.

These venerable locomotives made their living on road and yard switching jobs. In the mid-1980s, many would be sold to regional and short line operators. in the 2020s, many CF7s continued to operate in California, Florida, Texas and more!

The HO Scale Santa Fe CF7 is loaded with details including five round or square cab variations and two long hood styles as appropriate. It features appropriate underbody details, roadnumber-specific details, ground lights, number boards and beacons. This standard DC model is DCC ready and features a 21-pin socket and the mechanism features dual flywheels and magnetic knuckle couplers