WBB/LIONEL SCALE QUESTION

Did they really? On what planet?  The WBB F3's are more scale than the F7's.  The F7 nose contours are all wrong. It's Kusan tooling and the age shows.  The F3's are certainly closer (not accurate scale models either) than the F7's.

They would look fine with 15" cars, but I would go with the WBB F3 over the WBB F7 any day.

Fred

The Williams F7s are close to scale in overall dimensions - length, width, etc. as opposed to some of the drastically shortened O27 models available, which is what the reviewer I'm sure was indicating. The Williams F3s and F7s are just about the same overall length.

The term "scale" doesn't guarantee accuracy of details, contours, etc. the way it is currently used in the hobby.

But, I agree with Fred that the F3s are a better choice as far as overall appearance, especially with those Lionel aluminum cars. 

Jim

I have both WBB F-3's and F-7's in my collection and will also agree with Jim and Fred; definitely go with the F-3's for your passenger cars.

Curt

Fred, allow me to quote from the review in run 255:  "It has all the attributes of a traditional and bulletproof toy train along with the physical size of a scale locomotive".  The price was right too.  I will give the F3s a look based on these responses.

I agree with Jim Policastro on this one.  Just because the a diesel engine is scale proportioned doesn't mean that the locomotive has accurate contours or details.

That is certainly the case with the WBB F-7, which indeed comes from decades old Kusan tooling.

I would choose the WBB F-3 as the locomotive to pull your Lionel 15" streamlined passenger cars, they will look good together, especially since the F-3 body shell is a replica of the Postwar Lionel design.

Ed Boyle

Thanks to all who replied.  Then lastly, gentlemen, does WBB make that F3 in the blue and yellow C&O scheme?

They do not, but I believe they make an E unit in that scheme

If you're set on the C&O in blue and yellow, I've seen the old K-line as various auction sites.  Here's an ABA set

http://www.ebay.com/itm/K-LINE-25151-UN-CATALOG-CHEASAPEAKE-OHIO-F-3-A-B-A-ENGINES-NEW-/140688992434?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item20c1b7a8b2

Is that an E7 or something else entirely?  How about other C&O blue and yellow diesels?

It's an E7.   They have an F7 AA pair, but you wanted to stay away from those lol. 

There is also a BL2

Interesting idea using the BL-2, but not right for that consist.  Maybe the E8 AAs would work pulling 15" cars, but I am not sure on this one, might look too long in proportion to the cars.  Any thoughts, folks?  Also any other brand with affordable C&O F-3s or F-7s?

Let's see if we can help.

Ed Boyle

I know K Line made F7 or F3 C&O units. 

MTH made:

RK E3 AA units - 30-20101-1 

RK E8 AA units - 30-2998-1

This seems like the best deal - F3 ABA - 30-2851-1 from 2008

It shows 2 dealers have them in stock -

GRAND CENTRAL LTD.- LINCOLN, NE 

B & E JUNCTION -  YORK, PA  

They look real sharp!