Two Southern Pacific F7s, representing how they appeared in circa 1969-70, at the end of the F-unit era on SP. The models are made from Highliner shells and Athearn drives, which were modified as designed by Dave Hussey ( https://pbase.com/dh30973/funit_shots&page=all). The model of 6436 was based on photos by Ed Gibson ( http://wx4.org/to/foam/sp/locos/6436/6436.html). There are two distinct dents in the nose, which I’ve tried to replicate. There also have been a series of repairs near the base of the nose, which at this point in time appeared to be a few bits of steel welded in without bothering to grind down the weld seams. I tried simulating the weld beads there and the almost always present pucker along the cab floor in front of the sand filler. I used Cannon and Company fan grills, as they have a finer appearance and are easier to form than the ones from Highliner. The weathering was done primarily with artists oils, using a brush.

Finishing out the project are three units in grey and scarlet paint. 6392 was the last to run in this scheme, and was retired in Nov 1972. A couple more F7As lasted a bit longer, but they were still in Black Widow paint.