GN Empire Builder/3rdRail Question: F3's acceptable as motive power?

Great Northern Lines East by Patrick Dorin has F3s pictured pulling the Empire Builder on the front cover and throughout the book. I would say it is a safe bet to order them.

The GN transcontinental passenger locomotive pool was comprised of both F3 and F7 units. The SDP40 and SDP45 were added in the mid 1960’s. 

So, yes, a set of 3 or 4 F3’s (usually ABA or ABBA) is entirely appropriate for the Empire Builder. Just be sure they are passenger units, with dual headlights and steam generator roof details. 

JPaunicka posted:

Have a question for the knowledgeable collective at large:

Would F3's be acceptable to use as the motive power for the Great Northern Empire Builder?

The background on this is that I have a set of GGD Empire Builder cars; I got them when they were first released (last year?).
Howevere, what I failed to also do around that same time was to order a set of 3rdRail F7's to accommodate/complete the consist.

I see now that 3rdRail is now offering F3's available for pre-order and the Empire Builder paint scheme is one being offered.
I'm not a devout rivet counter, but I do try and strive for some respectable level of accuracy.
I recognize that the differences between F3's and F7's do exist, but generally are subtle.

So would I be completely out of line ordering a set of F3s?
Thanks!

- Joe

This sort of info is all over the Internet; RR history is readily available on an huge number of subjects, some mainstream and some incredibly arcane. Searching for this stuff can be one of the best parts of this hobby. The GN was a relatively major road and much has been written about it.

Of course, the OGR Forum is itself an Internet resource and a place to ask questions - done it myself more than once - but searching the Web for RR (or any other) info can add to the enjoyment of the hobby.

Just rambling and encouraging.